Mental Health, Pain, and Illness Management
This program is intended to provide skills based treatment and psychiatric treatment. The Compass providers work with pain management physicians to collaborate care, but do not prescribe pain medication.
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What Is Chronic Pain & Illness?
Chronic pain describes any type of persistent pain that carries on for longer than 12 weeks despite the use of medication or application of treatment methods. Chronic illness refers to the personal experience and mental health symptoms that accompany the physical symptoms.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine states that more than 1.5 billion people around the world experience chronic pain. In the United States, it is considered the most common cause of long-term disability, affecting about 100 million Americans each year.
Types of Chronic Pain
The most common types of chronic pain include:
- Headaches
- Post-surgical pain
- Post-trauma pain
- Lower back pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Arthritis
- Neurogenic pain, or pain caused by nerve damage
- Psychogenic pain, or pain caused by disease, injury, or nerve damage
Chronic pain is usually caused by an injury, and medical professionals believe that it develops after severe nerve damage, which makes pain more intense and longer-lasting. In these cases, treating the root injury may not heal chronic pain.
However, in some cases, people have chronic pain without any prior injury, and the exact causes aren’t always well understood. The pain can be a result of an underlying health condition, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or Interstitial Cystitis.
Effects of Chronic Pain & Illness on Your Life
Chronic pain can have strong physical and psychological effects and can significantly diminish the quality of life. When chronic pain interferes with day-to-day activities, it can take a negative toll on self-esteem and make people feel frustrated, anxious, angry, depressed, and helpless. According to one study, 77% of individuals who suffer from chronic pain report feeling depressed.
Constant pain may prevent an individual from participating in everyday activities, such as physical exercise, working, and socializing. This can cause feelings of guilt and anger.
When to Seek Treatment for Chronic Pain & Illness
Chronic pain can last several months and up to years when left unmanaged. It can limit mobility and reduce strength, flexibility, and endurance. Once the pain lasts for more than 12 weeks, and daily tasks and activities become challenging to achieve, then it is time to seek treatment for chronic pain and any illnesses related to it.
If you feel that your mental health is suffering due to chronic pain and if you are experiencing symptoms of Anxiety and Depression, then it is time to consider seeking professional help so you can start learning how to manage your symptoms.
Chronic Pain in Adults
Chronic pain in adults can be a result of an underlying injury or a related illness. Adults who live with chronic pain have a higher risk of developing mental health concerns, as the pain prevents them from living social and active lives. While there is no exact treatment for chronic pain in adults, treatment teams turn to pain management so that they can overcome challenges that arise when dealing with pain.
Chronic pain in adults is common in the United States, so much so that it accounts for up to $635 billion each year in lost productivity and medical bills. In fact, 84% of high-impact chronic pain patients are unable to work outside the home. With the aging population, an increase in diabetes, and an increase in cancer survival rates, chronic pain in adults is expected to increase year after year. About 65% of adults aged 65 and older experience chronic pain, and 75% of cancer patients live with chronic pain.
Start Managing Your Chronic Pain Today
Compass Health Center offers Mental Health, Pain, and Illness Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs at our Northbrook location. The program empowers adults 18+ to take an active role in the management of their chronic pain as well as their mental health symptoms. The Compass treatment team guides our patients as they learn coping and pain management skills to navigate challenges and develop new ways of thinking, with the goal of developing a stronger understanding of the mind-body connection.
Compass’s Mental Health, Pain, and Illness PHP/IOP is recommended for those navigating mental health symptoms alongside the following physical conditions (among many others): complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), dysautonomia, gastroparesis, migraines, occipital neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, intracranial hypertension, Sjogren’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain with a history of surgery (fusion, disc replacement, etc.) or herniated discs, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recent cancer diagnosis or treatment, cyclic vomiting syndrome, joint replacements, pelvic floor dysfunction or pain, interstitial cystitis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) / myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), tinnitus, restless leg syndrome (RLS), recent injury or surgery, hypo/hyperthyroidism, diabetes, headaches, nausea, and/or gastrointestinal (GI) distress.
Feel more in control of your chronic pain and mental health. Contact us today to talk to one of Compass Health Center’s intake specialists to learn more.
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Our Success Stories
Compass saved my life! I came into Compass with suicidal ideations and no hope. After a couple of weeks of being in the program, I did not have those thoughts anymore. Compass helped me change my mindset, from a negative pattern of thoughts to a more positive and optimistic frame of mind.
Patient
My child is leaving Compass more equipped to handle her emotions, her anxiety, her depression, and the things that all trigger these. She is willing to use the skills, which is a huge change, and this is all due to how well Compass worked for her.
Parent of Child Patient
I liked how in Compass, everyone was respectful of my opinions, pronouns, and preferred name. There was no judging, and you can open up to people. I also like how I can relate to other kids. I also really appreciate learning new skills.
Patient
Compass is a godsend. An amazing program for children who are struggling and families who are seeking help and guidance. I could not imagine that she would be so much better in less than 2 months. I wish we could have found Compass without going to the ER. Thanks for all you do!
The evening IOP program challenged me in a supportive and respectful way to help change my way of thinking. Compass provided me with the tools to help deal with life situations in a healthy way.
