Break with your vicious circle

The role of the brain in persistent complaints: How stress and suppressed emotions contribute to pain and what you can do to break out of the vicious circle.

Many people with chronic pain or persistent physical complaints, such as Long Covid or Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), struggle with the vicious circle of pain, fatigue, stress or frustration. The brain plays a central role in this. When we experience stress or cannot properly process suppressed emotions, this can lead to changes in the body that manifest themselves in physical pain. This pain is often not caused by physical damage, but by psychological factors such as stress and unprocessed emotions.

What happens in the brain?

The brain plays an important role in the development of persistent complaints. When we experience stress for a long time or suppress negative emotions (suppressed often means not being aware of the emotions), the brain responds to the negative experiences that exist. The brain 'learns', as it were, to associate pain with stress or unresolved emotional blockages, as a result of which the pain persists or can itself be intensified.

What can you do to break the vicious circle?

Breaking out of the vicious circle of chronic complaints requires an approach that involves both the brain and the body. There are several steps you can take to break this cycle and start the recovery process:

REASSURANCE – Let the doctor reassure you to confirm that nothing is broken. To then learn to relax, despite the unpleasant physical sensations. Using techniques such as visualizations (evidence based on IBS complaints) you can help the brain to reduce the overreaction to pain signals. Learning to calm your nervous system is essential to breaking the vicious cycle of pain and anxiety!

STAY ACTIVE – Physical activity not only helps improve physical health, but it also reduces the tension that often builds up in the body due to long-term stress or pain. Find that movement that makes you happy and that is suitable for you.

MAKING CHOICES  – It is important to make choices that promote recovery, such as setting healthy boundaries. When you learn to recognize and respect your boundaries, you give yourself space to recover.

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES  – Energizing activities, positive interactions with others, or fulfilling work can help take your mind off the pain and reprogram the brain to a more positive focus.

SELF-COMPASSION  – Many people with chronic complaints are inclined to judge themselves. Self-compassion is essential for recovery, because it gives the brain space to relax and let go.

EMOTIONS  – It is important to discover, recognize and process repressed emotions such as anger and sadness. Ignoring emotions causes increased tension in your body. By recognizing and processing emotions, you help the brain and body to let go of the pain.