Can Pain Drive Us to Insanity?

When it comes to the human experience, pain can be a powerful yet devastating force. It can affect not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. In this article, we will explore the complex relationship between intense pain and insanity, debunking myths, understanding underlying mechanisms, and seeking solutions to alleviate suffering.

The Brain's Response to Intense Pain

Can a person go insane with pain? The answer is yes. When a person experiences overwhelming pain, abuse, torment, and torture, the brain may temporarily opt out of reality in an attempt to escape. This reaction is a defense mechanism that can be in response to repeated traumatic experiences. Over time, this response can become a habit, making it harder for a person to function in society when under stress, even if the current pain levels are less intense than the original traumatic events.

The term schizotypal personality disorder, for example, can be directly linked to stress and external stimuli as triggers for symptoms similar to schizophrenia. This condition is characterized by thought patterns and behaviors that diverge from what is considered normal. The brain’s response to pain, in this context, is not unlike the way an individual might develop a coping mechanism to deal with chronic stress.

Addressing the Myths and Misconceptions

Opium and Cannabis: The Debate Continues

In 2020, there is still a significant fear among doctors about prescribing opioids for pain management. It is high time that we address this concern. Opioids are widely recognized as the most effective painkillers. However, it is important to consider alternatives like cannabis, which can help alleviate pain without the risk of addiction, a common concern with opioids.

The argument that cannabis is not a pain killer and merely makes one less mentally focused on suffering is a misconception. Cannabis can indeed provide pain relief, although it works differently from opioids. Research has shown that it can help reduce inflammation and provide analgesic effects, making it a viable option for chronic pain sufferers.

It is unfortunate that in the face of such suffering, chronic pain patients are denied pain relief and subject to punitive measures. This is not a productive approach, but rather a reflection of the current medical and legal climate.

Psychological Responses to Intense Pain

Disassociation and Multiple Personality States

Experiencing intense pain can cause disassociation or the formation of multiple personality states. The mind may split to cope with the overwhelming experience, creating a temporary escape from the pain. This mechanism is similar to how soldiers and military officers return from traumatic experiences, requiring debriefs to reintegrate and address any disassociated memories.

Another consequence of intense pain is that it can make one more susceptible to suggestion. Throughout history, physical punishment has been used to influence behavior, reflecting a primitive understanding of the mind’s vulnerability to pain and the power it holds over cognition.

When these multiple states of mind no longer cohere, it can result in a breakdown of mental function, making it difficult for a person to lead a normal life. This is why addressing the root cause of pain, whether physical or psychological, is crucial.

Addressing the Root Cause of Physical Pain

Unrelenting pain can devastate a person’s life, robbing them of peace, joy, and a sense of livelihood. Left untreated, mental anguish can manifest as physical pain. The human body has the innate ability to heal itself, but it needs the right conditions. Dwelling on the past is unproductive; it serves no purpose other than to prevent healing.

To combat chronic pain and promote mental well-being, individuals must address the underlying causes. This may involve seeking appropriate medical treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One can start with spiritual and religious practices, such as reading Proverbs and Psalms, which have been found to provide comfort and guidance.

It is important to remember that recovery is a gradual process. Immediate relief may not be possible, but with persistence and the right approach, significant progress can be made. Here is a step-by-step guide to help alleviate pain:

Read Proverbs 14:30: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rottenness of the bones.”

Study the first four chapters of the book of Proverbs.

Read Psalms 1:1–3: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

By following this advice, individuals can begin the process of healing and finding a path to a normal life, free from the constant burden of pain.