Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesEffectsTreatmentHow to Cope
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Effects
Treatment
How to Cope
Emotional pain is pain or hurt that originates from non-physical sources. Sometimes this emotional distress is the result of the actions of others. Other times, it might be the result ofregret, grief, or loss. In other cases, it might be the result of an underlying mental health condition such as depression oranxiety.
No matter what the cause, this psychological pain can be intense and significantly affect many different areas of your life.
At a GlanceEmotional pain is also sometimes referred to as psychic pain, spiritual pain, psychalgia, emotional suffering, psychological pain, algopsychalia, soul pain, or mental pain. While it is often dismissed as less serious than physical pain, it is important that emotional pain is taken seriously. A number of common feelings associated with emotional pain can impact physical and mental health. Keep reading to learn more about how to recognize the signs of emotional pain and the strategies that can help you cope.
At a Glance
Emotional pain is also sometimes referred to as psychic pain, spiritual pain, psychalgia, emotional suffering, psychological pain, algopsychalia, soul pain, or mental pain. While it is often dismissed as less serious than physical pain, it is important that emotional pain is taken seriously. A number of common feelings associated with emotional pain can impact physical and mental health. Keep reading to learn more about how to recognize the signs of emotional pain and the strategies that can help you cope.
Symptoms of Emotional Pain
Symptoms of emotional pain can include feelings of:
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In some cases, feelings of emotional pain may lead to physical symptoms that do not have an identifiable physical cause. When these thoughts, feelings, or behaviors connected to somatic symptoms result in significant distress or interruption in a person’s ability to function, they may be diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder.
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What Causes Emotional Pain?
Emotional pain can stem from many sources, and each person’s situation and experiences are unique. Everyone may experience these feelings from time to time. However, when these feelings are intense and persistent, they can interfere with your ability to function and perform normal daily activities.
Sadness
Sadness is a natural emotion that is associated with loss and disappointment. However, if it doesn’t fade with time, it might point to a treatable condition, depression, that can impact your whole body.
If sadness lasts for more than just a few days and impacts your daily life, it may be necessary to seek out medical intervention.
You should consult with your doctor and be completely honest about any alcohol or drugs you have been usingto cope and self-medicate.
Unexpressed Anger
Anger is a basic human emotion. It releases adrenaline, which increases muscle tension and speeds up breathing. This is the “fight” part of the “fight/flight/freeze” response. It can be mobilizing at times; however, if it’s not adequately managed, this response can lead to long-term physical consequences.
Anxiety
As with anger, anxiety and fear both also release adrenaline. This generally results in jumpiness, a tendency to startle easily, the inability to relax (the “flight” response), or a feeling of being immobilized or stuck (the “freeze” response).
In some people, anxiety is a symptom of an anxiety disorder, and psychotherapy or prescription medication can help.
Shame and Guilt
If not addressed, prolonged feelings of shame and guilt may lead to physical symptoms.
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Emotional Pain Can Have Lingering Effects
Psychological pain can also contribute to or worsen physical pain in different areas of the body.Some common types of physical pain that may be connected to emotional distress include:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Physical vs. Emotional Pain
While physical pain and emotional pain are different, there is research that suggests that both types of pain may share some neurological similarities.Both emotional and physical pain are linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex.
Some researchers argue that rather than viewing emotional pain and physical pain as fundamentally different, they should be conceptualized as part of a broader pain continuum.Some types of pain are purely physical, while others are purely emotional; but many times, pain lies somewhere in the middle.
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Treatments That Can Help Emotional Pain
Emotional pain is often complex, but there are treatments that can help bring people a sense of relief and comfort. Treatment for emotional pain often involves addressing the underlying source of the symptoms, so treatment often depends upon the individual diagnosis. Psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy to treat emotional may involve the use of talk therapy, including specific approaches such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT focuses on identifying negative thoughts and emotions that contribute to emotional pain and then replacing these thoughts with more adaptive, realistic thoughts and behaviors.
Medications
Medications may sometimes be prescribed to address certain symptoms of emotional pain. Such medications may include:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Sometimes alternative treatments can help provide relief from emotional pain. Some alternative treatments that may help alleviate symptoms of emotional pain include:
How to Cope With Emotional Pain
Emotional pain can often feel as strong as physical pain and, at times, can even cause symptoms of pain throughout the body. It can also have a detrimental impact on both short-term and long-term mental well-being. That’s why getting appropriate help and treatment is important.
Unhealthy Coping MechanismsBecause emotional pain can be so distressing, people often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including drugs and alcohol. The problem is that while these methods might provide short-term relief, they cause greater damage in the long run.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Because emotional pain can be so distressing, people often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including drugs and alcohol. The problem is that while these methods might provide short-term relief, they cause greater damage in the long run.
Some healthier ways to manage your symptoms of emotional pain can include:
Talking to Someone
Social supportis critical for emotional well-being, and talking to a trusted person, whether its a good friend or a counselor, can help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who cares about you when you are going through an emotionally painful experience.
Exercising
Physical activity has been shown to be effective for improving mood, so it can be a good way to help deal with feelings of emotional pain.Blowing off feelings of anger with a run around the block is a better choice than acting out aggressively.
Taking an afternoon stroll can do more tolift your moodthan scrolling endlessly through social media posts.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness, a mental practice that involves focusing on the present moment, can be useful when you are trying to cope with difficult emotions such as anxiety, grief, sadness, and anger. This process can help you to become more aware of your emotions.
Not only can you become more aware of what you are feeling, mindfulness also stresses learning to accept and let go of the need to control or eliminate these emotions.
Takeaways
Emotional pain is rooted in the mind, but it can hurt just as much as physical pain. Sadness, anger, anxiety, shame, guilt, and other factors can all play a role in the experience of this type of pain. While it may not stem from a physical source, emotional pain can still have serious health effects. In some cases, it can even contribute to feelings of physical discomfort and pain. It also increases the risk of problems with substance use, unhealthy coping mechanisms, risky behaviors, and suicide.
If symptoms of emotional pain are causing significant distress or interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.
If you or a loved one are struggling with emotional pain, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with emotional pain, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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10 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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