Why I Help Manage Chronic Pain – A Psychiatrist’s Perspective
As a psychiatrist, many people are surprised to learn that a large part of my work involves helping individuals living with chronic pain. After all, when we think of pain, we often imagine it being treated with pills, procedures, or physical therapy—not psychotherapy or psychiatry. But the truth is, chronic pain and mental health are deeply intertwined, and this connection is what drew me into this complex and often misunderstood area of care.
The Mind-Body Connection Is Real
Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body—it affects every part of a person’s life. It changes how people think, feel, and function. Many of my patients come to me not only with persistent physical discomfort, but also with anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or trauma histories that have worsened their experience of pain. Pain can isolate people, erode their confidence, and even impact their sense of identity.
As a psychiatrist with additional training in interdisciplinary pain management and palliative care, I see pain through a different lens. I understand that helping someone manage chronic pain means supporting both their physical and psychological well-being. Sometimes this involves treating underlying mental health conditions. Other times it means helping someone build new coping strategies, process grief around lost function, or find meaning again in life despite their pain.
Medication Isn’t the Whole Story
While medication can play a role in pain management, it’s not a cure-all. In fact, psychiatric medications like antidepressants or certain mood stabilizers can sometimes reduce pain sensitivity, improve sleep, and help regulate emotions. But beyond prescribing, I also work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals—such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and pain specialists—to ensure my patients receive holistic, coordinated care.
I also provide psychotherapy and skills training, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which can be incredibly helpful for individuals dealing with both emotional distress and physical pain. These therapies help people learn to tolerate discomfort, regulate their emotions, and reduce the psychological suffering that often magnifies pain.
Living Well with Pain Is Possible
My goal isn’t just to reduce pain—it’s to help people live well in spite of it. That means helping patients reclaim their roles, relationships, and sense of purpose. For many, it’s about shifting from asking “how do I get rid of the pain?” to “how can I live a full, meaningful life even if the pain stays?”
By addressing both the mind and the body, psychiatry can be a powerful part of chronic pain management. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my patients on this journey—supporting them not only in managing their symptoms but also in rediscovering what brings them joy, connection, and hope.
If you’re living with chronic pain, know that help is available—and that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Written by Dr. Michelle Beukes-King, Psychiatrist
