Transcript Counseling People with Developmental Disabilities

Coping with KT
By Sibelia L. Chaiyahat, MSW, LCSW
Life Enrichment Services
Portland, Oregon
Qualifications: mental health clinician,
15 year old son w/ KT
The Swirls of Pain
by Sittidet Chaiyahat
KT has some challenges
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Physical differences
Pain
Mobility
Clothing/shoe adjustments/needs
Depression
Need good medical treatment/insurance
Complicated, hard to explain and understand
Financial or employment issues
Intimacy
Travel
Bleeding/leaking
PTSD or anxiety from medical trauma
How to stay emotionally
healthy?
Know and understand KT
 Awareness of these challenges especially
depression and pain
 Know resources – treatments,
accommodations, etc.
 Take good care of yourself (emotionally and
physically)
 Have a good support circle
 Keep trying things, don't give up
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Depression: Symptoms
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Persistant feelings of sadness (may be crying
spells)
Loss of interest or pleasure in things
Changes in appetite
Loss of energy, increased fatigue
Changes in sleep patterns
Restlessness, irritability, anger
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt
Difficulty concentration or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Somatic (headaches, nausea, pain)
Isolation, social withdrawl
Lack of motivation
Depression: What causes it?
Personality characteristics- low self
esteem, easily overwhelmed, pessimistic
 Biochemistry – serotonin and
norepinephrine
 Genetics- runs in the family
 Environment – abuse, neglect, violence,
poverty, disaster, accidents
 Multiple extreme stressors (chronic
illness, caregivers)
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Chronic Pain: What is it?
Chronic pain is pain that continues a month or
more beyond the usual recovery period for an
injury or illness or that goes on for months or
years due to a chronic condition. The pain is
usually not constant but can interfere with daily
life at all levels. (The American Pain
Association)
Suffering – The state of severe distress
associated with events that threaten the
intactness of the person.
Social-Psychological Impact
of Chronic Pain
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Lack of motivation, interest, and pleasure
Decreased ability to cope w/ stressors
Social withdrawl and isolation
Loss of self esteem
Increased tendency to worry
Cognitive problems- concentration, memory,
processing information
Relationship problems
Loss of work or income
Pseudoaddiction (inadequatly treated can lead to
manipulative behavior)
Social-Psychological Impact of
Difference in Physical Appearance
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Negative body image
Depression
Social, sexual, and professional
difficulties
Prejudice and Intolerance
Negative response from people
Depression and Pain
Other
issues:
Poor body image
Hard to get around
No shoes fit
No insurance
Lack of medical care
Hard for others to
understand
Difficulty keeping
work
Lack of intimacy
Hard to travel
Depression
Pain
Treatment Options for
Depression and Chronic Pain
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Over the counter (NSAIDS, etc)
Anti-depressants
Anti-convulsants
Talk therapy (CBT, DBT)
Mindfulness or meditation
Peer support groups
Biofeedback
Accupuncture
Massage or other body work
Opiods
Medical Marijuana (inhale, topical, edible)
Topical pain cream, patch, etc.
Surgery, amputation
Treatment for Depression
and Chronic Pain
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Hot tub, hot bath or shower
Exercise or physical therapy
Structure and activities
Music, art therapy
Writing, journaling, blogging
Electrical Stimulation (TENS)
Topical pain relievers
Service animal
Self hypnosis
Mirror therapy or virtual visual feedback
Manage your acute pain
Do not give up on managing your pain!!!
Coping with KT
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Stay active and busy
Get out of the house
Be with other people
Do things you enjoy
Love and accept yourself and KT
Spiritual practice and community
Pets
Learn specific coping skills that work for
you
Surround yourself with empathy, love,
support, and validation
Volunteer to help others
Coping with KT
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Get good sleep
Take care of your body
Eat well
Try to think positive, avoid
catastrophizing or other negative
thinking patterns
Exercise your brain (chronic pain can
atrophy pre frontal cortex)
Spend time in nature
Laugh, watch comedy shows, be
around funny people
Share some stories
What have you found
successful?
References
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www.nimh.nih.gov National Institute of
Public Health
www.theacpa.org American Chronic
Pain Associateion