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Why Mental Health Matters Before an SCS Implant

Living with chronic pain is exhausting. It can wear down even the strongest person—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. If you’re exploring a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implant to manage chronic pain, it’s important to also understand the mental and emotional layers that come with it.

Understanding the link between chronic pain and mental health before getting an SCS implant can help you prepare, advocate for yourself, and improve your outcomes. This blog will help you make sense of the psychological side of chronic pain and why it’s essential to address your mental health before surgery.

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The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

How Chronic Pain Affects Mental Health

Chronic pain doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It affects how you feel about yourself, your relationships, your ability to work, and even your identity. Many people living with long-term pain conditions report:

• Anxiety about their future
• Depression and low mood
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Sleep disturbances
• Frustration and hopelessness

This isn’t a personal failing—it’s a common, scientifically established response to ongoing physical pain. When pain persists for months or years, your nervous system stays on high alert, and your brain begins to process even normal sensations as painful. This constant stress can disrupt your emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Why Mental Health Support is Key Before an SCS Implant

A spinal cord stimulator doesn’t just impact your body—it also affects your mind. You’re placing your trust in a medical device that alters nerve signals. Understandably, this can bring up fear, hope, doubt, and everything in between.

Research shows that individuals with unmanaged depression or anxiety may not respond as well to SCS therapy. Emotional readiness is a strong predictor of success. This is why psychological clearance evaluations are typically required before SCS surgery.

The goal is not to judge or block you from treatment—it’s to support your success and safety.

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What to Expect Mentally Before Getting an SCS Implant

1. The Emotional Rollercoaster

You might feel hopeful one day and anxious the next. Maybe you’ve tried everything else, and the idea of something new is overwhelming. That’s completely valid. You’re not alone.

Many clients feel:

• Fear of the procedure or the device
• Worry about whether it will actually help
• Guilt over how chronic pain has affected their family or work life
• Frustration with the long road to relief

These emotions are important signals—not red flags. They help you and your care team prepare for a smoother recovery.

2. Psychological Evaluations Are Part of the Process

As part of the pre-surgical process, your doctor may refer you for a psychological evaluation. This doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with you—it’s just one part of a holistic approach to your care.

During the evaluation, a licensed mental health professional will talk with you about:

• Your history with chronic pain
• Your emotional health
• Any depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Your coping strategies (past and current)
• Your support system
• Your expectations for the SCS implant

Think of it as a way to create a mental health game plan before surgery. You may even uncover tools or therapy options that make recovery easier.

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Mental Health Tools to Use Before and After an SCS Implant

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, supportive ones. For people with chronic pain, CBT can reduce:

• Pain-related anxiety
• Catastrophic thinking
• Feelings of helplessness

This makes CBT a strong pre-surgical and post-surgical support.

Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation

Techniques like deep breathing, body scans, and progressive muscle relaxation help your brain and nervous system shift out of chronic fight-or-flight mode. This can:

• Lower pain sensitivity
• Improve emotional balance
• Reduce pre-surgery anxiety

Supportive Counseling

Sometimes you just need a safe space to say: “This is hard.” Therapy provides that. Regular sessions give you room to explore your fears, your grief, and your goals. It’s also a place to:

• Rebuild self-worth
• Navigate changing roles in family/work life
• Identify practical coping strategies

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Addressing Common Client Questions

“Does having anxiety or depression mean I can’t get the implant?”

No. In fact, many people seeking an SCS implant have a history of anxiety or depression. That’s normal. What matters most is your current ability to cope and your openness to support. If there are concerns, your therapist will work with you—not against you—to get you ready.

“What if I feel hopeless about my pain?”

That feeling is common, especially when treatments haven’t worked. It’s okay to feel discouraged. A therapist can help you process that hopelessness and help you reconnect with realistic hope for relief—whether through the SCS or additional tools.

“I’ve already been through a lot—why do I need a mental health eval?”

You deserve a treatment team that sees your full experience, not just your symptoms. A psychological evaluation helps ensure that your care is personalized, safe, and comprehensive. It also gives you a chance to speak up about anything that’s weighing on you.

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Preparing Emotionally for Your SCS Journey

Getting a spinal cord stimulator is a big decision. Preparing emotionally is just as important as preparing physically. Here’s how to get started:

1. Acknowledge your emotions: It’s okay to feel scared or unsure.
2. Talk to someone: Whether it’s a therapist, friend, or support group, share what you’re going through.
3. Learn coping strategies: Build a mental health toolkit that works for you.
4. Plan your recovery support: Don’t wait until after surgery to ask for help.
5. Set realistic expectations: Understand what the SCS can and can’t do, so you’re not caught off guard.

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Additional Resources and Support

Here are a few helpful links and tools:

• American Chronic Pain Association – for peer support and pain education
• Pain Psychology Center – for understanding the mind-body connection
• Onesta Therapy Co. Digital Self-Help Shop – explore self-paced tools for emotional wellness
• Jen at Onesta Therapy Co. – Schedule a Session – confidential, compassionate therapy support for your journey

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You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Chronic pain can isolate you—but healing happens in connection. If you’re considering an SCS implant, now is the perfect time to also consider your mental and emotional needs. Therapy isn’t just for crisis—it’s a proactive tool that helps you feel empowered, supported, and ready.

If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to help. At Onesta Therapy Co., I specialize in helping clients navigate chronic pain, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Book a confidential session with me today and let’s build your mental wellness plan—together.

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Ready to feel more supported on your journey with chronic pain?

📩 Book a confidential session with Jen at Onesta Therapy Co.
📰 Sign up for blog updates to stay informed.
📥 Download our digital self-help tools for managing stress, pain, and emotional overwhelm.

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