There is no doubt that living with persistent pain is difficult, and there is no doubt that living with pain increases the chances of you becoming depressed, and possibly anxious.  How could it possibly not do?  I was very fortunate that I didn’t become clinically depressed during my pain journey, but I must have been close at times, and I fully understand how it happens.   Although the risks of becoming depressed or anxious are increased if you have persistent pain it is worth noting that around 74% of people with persistent pain are NOT depressed or anxious so if you have recently been diagnosed with persistent pain please do not see depression or anxiety as an inevitable consequence.  If you do become depressed and/or anxious I would urge you to seek support; there is support out there.

There are many ways to support and improve your mental wellbeing and I would definitely recommend anyone living with persistent pain to actively do so.  It can be emotionally difficult to live with pain, so working to improve your overall mental health and wellbeing is definitely worthwhile. 

Whilst going through my pain journey I felt it important to have both a basic understanding of depression and anxiety, in particular an understanding of the symptoms and how to access help if required, and an understanding of how best to support my mental health. 

I hope the resources I have listed below will support everyone who has persistent pain.