By Dr. Alexander Dydyk and Rebecca Duffy | Thoughts on Innovation
Chronic pain is not just about what hurts in your body – it lingers in your thoughts, shapes your moods, and touches every part of your daily life. It can alter how you move, how you interact with others, and even how you perceive yourself. Over time it chips away at your joy, drains energy and slowly rewrites what “normal” feels like.
At HealthyU Clinics and evolvedMD, we see this reality every single day. Someone comes to us seeking relief from back pain, a shoulder injury, or nerve pain that has been part of their life for years. But beneath those physical symptoms, there is often something deeper happening, anxiety that was not there before, frustration that lingers, or a growing sense of isolation.
And that is not a coincidence. It is the natural outcome of living with pain that does not go away.
The truth is pain and mental health are deeply connected. The brain does not just process physical discomfort – it reacts to it emotionally. Over time, that ongoing struggle can wear down even the strongest spirit.
It is one of the reasons why half of people with chronic pain also experience depression. But our healthcare system still too often treats the body and mind as if they exist in separate silos.
That is why HealthyU Clinics and evolvedMD are working to change the way care is delivered – by offering integrated care that recognizes mental health is physical health.
How Chronic Pain Affects Mental Health
Isolation: When pain limits movement, people often withdraw – shrinking their social circles and losing touch with the things that once brought joy.
Loss of identity: Life can start to feel defined by what hurts instead of what is possible.
Sleep disruption: Pain interferes with rest and poor sleep amplifies both pain and mood changes.
Hopelessness: Without the right support, the future can feel uncertain or even unreachable.
Healing is possible when you treat the body and mind together! Here some tips to deal with pain:
- Validation
Pain is real and so are the emotional effects. Validating a person’s experience is the first step to helping them heal. - Treat Mental Health as Part of Pain Management
Emotional support should not be an afterthought. That is why evolvedMD places licensed therapists directly within primary care and specialty settings, so patients can get real-time support when they need it most. - Encourage Gentle Movement
Even small amounts of movement – such as stretching, walking or physical therapy, can ease the pain and lift one’s mood. Celebrate progress no matter how small and focus on what is possible today. - Build Connection
Community is medicine. Whether its support groups, regular family check-ins or group therapy, connection can transform isolation into strength and resilience. - Look for Subtle Signs
Depression is not always obvious. It can show up as irritability, fatigue, or withdrawal. Consistent check-ins and compassionate conversations make a difference. - Bring Care Together
The most powerful healing happens when patients do not have to choose between physical relief and emotional support. At HealthyU Clinics, a patient may receive a pain injection and speak with a therapist during the same visit, because the two are deeply intertwined.
At HealthyU Clinics and evolvedMD, we are reimagining healthcare to honor that truth. Our goal is to make sure no one has to suffer in silence, and no one must choose between treating the body and healing their mind.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Alexander Dydyk is a medical professional at HealthyU Clinics and Rebecca Duffy is the clinician director at evolvedMD
