When the mind causes pain
NU) – Susan, a 40-year-old school teacher, was suffering from daily headaches, neck pains, shoulder pains, chronic feelings of tension and sleepless nights. After performing a number of diagnostic tests and a thorough examination, Susan’s physician informed her that her X-rays, blood tests and MRI indicated she had no physical problems. Yet Susan’s pain was very real. To her surprise, her doctor told her that her physical pains and discomforts were symptoms of depression. Susan is one of several people who tell their stories of painful physical symptoms disrupting their lives in a video titled “When the Mind Causes Pain.” The video was produced by Freedom From Fear, a nonprofit mental illness advocacy organization. Freedom From Fear began its focus on pain and depression with a survey to explore the impact of physical symptoms on an individual’s work, social life and family life. The survey, conducted last May, revealed that almost 90 percent of the participants believe depression