Chronic Pain and Brain Tumours; It’s Not Just Physical – Mental Health Can Be Impacted Too

Chronic Pain and Brain Tumours; It’s Not Just Physical – Mental Health Can Be Impacted Too

More than 12,000 people are diagnosed yearly with brain tumours. Many of these will also experience chronic pain. Fibromyalgia and arthritis are just two examples of this.

1.5 billion people around the globe are affected by chronic pain. Physical symptoms can be severe and mental health often gets pushed aside. So many people suffer from pain daily, and we must start looking at how to improve the mental impact.

Living With a Brain Tumour and Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain is diagnosed when symptoms are present for over 3 months. People living with brain tumours experience discomfort for several reasons. This might be because the tumour has grown at takes up space or because of a change to surrounding nerves.

Whether the pain is chronic or not, brain tumours can still cause:

  • Uncomfortable headaches
  • Nausea
  • Eye problems
  • Drowsiness

This makes everyday activities challenging. Some brain tumours can also impact behaviour and personality, adding further difficulty. When people don’t understand the situation, it can become lonely for the patient.

The effects chronic pain has on mental health

Chronic pain sufferers are four times more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. This is down to a range of reasons:

  • Physical symptoms can put an end to hobbies. If someone regularly plays darts, but their vision becomes affected, it would be hard to continue. This can have a big impact mentally.
  • If those around you don’t understand what you’re going through, it can put a strain on relationships. This isn’t ideal for someone who needs support during this time, lost relationships can devastate
  • Emotional pain can be a cause of physical pain. Your mind may feel unwell if you feel uncomfortable physically.
  • Uncertainty and anxiety can be felt. If you’re told that your brain tumour can’t be cured, this information is a lot to digest

Let’s break the stigma

 Sadly, prejudice is still an issue for those struggling with pain. This is why creating awareness is vital. Communication is key to enabling people to open up and seek support from others. More education on the physical and mental impact is also needed to help end the stigma.

Getting support

Family and friend’s support is a powerful reminder that you aren’t alone in this. Healthcare workers also have a role in creating a trusting environment for those who need it. This validates a person’s experiences.

Support groups are a chance to meet others in similar situations. They provide a sense of belonging as well as shared understanding. Take the time to listen to others too and be a support to them. Offering help and advice where you can could really support someone.

Accessing Mental Health Services

Under half of people experiencing chronic pain get mental health support as a part of their treatment statistics show.

Statistics show that less than half of those experiencing chronic pain get mental health support. It’s normal not to feel positive all of the time but feeling down most days isn’t okay. Mental health services provide emotional support and provide ways to cope. More understanding in society is needed, so people with brain tumours who are experiencing pain feel validated. Showing compassion goes a long way in creating a supportive environment for someone who needs it.

Millie Fuller – A freelance writer and an advocate for all things mental health. “Growing up with a close neighbour with a brain tumour was never easy to witness. Watching her struggle with the pain and mental health aspects daily, was tough, regardless of the brave face she constantly wore. I wrote this piece to create more awareness of the connection between chronic pain and mental health for those living with brain tumours”