Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and psychological.

And the connection between chronic pain and depression? It’s stronger—and more dangerous—than most professionals realize. In this powerful episode, Dr. Regina Koepp sits down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to uncover the complex and bidirectional relationship between chronic pain, depression, and suicide risk.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why people living with chronic pain are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• The true drivers of suicide risk in chronic pain—not just pain intensity, but emotional, relational, and financial strain

• How the brain’s stress response amplifies both physical pain and emotional suffering

• What research says about which comes first—pain or depression—and why it’s not always clear-cut

• How chronic pain affects sleep, cognition, and identity, creating a vicious cycle of distress

• The essential role of therapists trained in chronic pain in breaking this cycle

• What to look for in a therapist who can truly support someone living with chronic pain

Whether you’re a therapist, psychologist, social worker, or aging life care expert—this episode will transform the way you think about pain. Because treating chronic pain isn’t just about reducing discomfort… it’s about restoring dignity, function, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• Chronic pain can trigger a powerful stress response that worsens both mood and pain sensitivity

• Depression doesn’t just follow pain—it can actually amplify it through the nervous system

• Sleep disruption is both a cause and consequence of chronic pain, impacting mood, memory, and distress tolerance

• The cycle of pain, depression, and sleep disturbance is biological, psychological, and relational

• Treating this cycle effectively requires a mental health provider trained in the psychology of pain—not just general depression or anxiety

Resources:

• Therapists: Download your free guide on the Depression-Pain Cycle 
• Become a sought after specialist with our Pain Psychology Certificate Course (14.5 CE Credits): learn ACT and CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as strategies to address bias in pain care.
• Find a board certified heath psychologist

Related Articles + Podcasts:

• Pain In Older Adults: FAQs About Chronic Pain and Aging
• Acceptance of Pain Relieves Suffering: A Pain Expert Explains
• Pain Management in Older Adults: 5 Must Know Caregiving Tips
• Chronic Pain and Aging: 4 Themes Therapists Must Know

CEU Courses:

• Pain Psychology Certificate Course (14.5 CE Credits): learn ACT and CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as strategies to address bias in pain care.
• ACT for Chronic Pain (5.5 CE Credits)
• CBT for Chronic Pain (6 CE Credits)
• Impact of Bias on Pain Care (3 CE Credits) 

Remember…

It’s only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So thank you for being here—and thank you for doing your part.

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