Chronic Pain and Suicide

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than three months that is felt in a persistent manner or that recurs often. Unlike regular pain, chronic pain persists over time and can have a significant impact on daily life, mood, and sleep. 

chronic-pain-and-suicide

What can cause the occurrence of chronic pain? 

Chronic pain is often linked to many factors. For example, it can be related to:

  • A physical injury or surgery 
  • Amputation 
  • Certain illnesses like cancer 
  • Generalized pain disorders (i.e.: fibromyalgia, myofascial pain) 
  • Musculoskeletal problems (i.e.: back pain, arthritis) 
  • Frequent headaches (i.e.: migraines) 
  • Nerve damage (neuropathic pain) 
  • Endometriosis 
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases

What can increase the pain? 

Chronic pain can vary from one day to another. Certain factors amplify it, for example: 

  • Stress or intense emotions (anxiety, anger, sadness) 
  • Fatigue or lack of sleep 
  • Having a negative experience with pain in the past (whether related to yourself or others) 
  • Overwork or, on the contrary, lack of activities 
  • Repetitive movements or certain prolonged positions 
  • Poor diet
  • Negative thoughts or fear of pain

What consequences are linked to chronic pain? 

Chronic pain can have important repercussions in different aspects of life. 

  • Physical 
    • Fatigue or exhaustion 
    • Disordered sleeping 
    • Reduced mobility or physical condition 
  • Cognitive 
    • Difficulty concentrating 
    • Memory problems 
  • Relational 
    • Isolation or social withdrawal 
    • Diminishment of social activities 
    • Tensions in relationships (family, partner, work) 
  • Emotional 
    • Anxiety 
    • Irritability 
    • Discouragement 
    • Loss of motivation or feeling of powerlessness 
    • Depression 
    • Suicidal thoughts

You have chronic pain and suicidal thoughts? 

Chronic pain can cause significant suffering. In some people, that distress can lead to suicidal thoughts. If that’s your case, it’s important to reach out.

We encourage you to check out the following sections: 

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you are experiencing chronic pain?

It is possible to feel better despite living with chronic pain. If you notice the pain is affecting your psychological well-being, first call Info-Social at 811, option 2, to discuss your situation with a psychosocial worker and be referred, if necessary, to resources in your area that can provide support.

To obtain an evaluation or a follow-up with a healthcare worker, see a general practitioner (like a family doctor), a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can also help people suffering from chronic pain.

Find resources

Some tips to help with chronic pain

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