Chronic pain and depression. Any advice?

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milse85 Asked September 2022

Chronic pain and depression. Any advice?

Hi everyone. My dad (74), a diabetic, has a chronic anal fissure that won't heal for over a year despite all the treatments. He's become utterly depressed and anxious. He stopped doing sports, sits at home all day, often naps, and consequently can't sleep at night, tormented by dark thoughts and pain. He doesn't want to see a shrink or a priest. This living nightmare has begun to affect my mom. I don't know how to help except with their chores, looking for specialists, etc... any advice?

Anxiety Depression Mental Health Therapy

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score 0 · Answer 1

I agree with encouraging him to try antidepressants first, which may help him be more motivated to work towards a pain solution and more activity.

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Thank you very much, I'll try. However, his case is somehow complicated - obstructive sleep apnea, benign prostate hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, diabetes and hypertension. Each of those health problems could be a contraindication for antidepressants.

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score 2 · Answer 2

Sorry for your dad. The best thing you can do is find him help for the depression. Have mom call their doctor and make appointments for both of them. Anal fissures hurt extremely bad, unfortunately sitting tends to cause more pain.

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