Although the unconscious mind uses psychological pain in order to motivate the conscious mind to relieve stress, this is not always possible given the complex and sometimes abusive environment we live in. We think of reprisals and pay backs as our anger builds, or we drive ourselves deeper into despair as the possible options to resolve our stress begin to disappear. At this point the conscious mind does not give up, driven by psychological pain the depressed conscious mind begins to devise alternative methods to relieve the pain of unresolved stress and the pain of depression. The solutions may take many different forms depending on our life situation, our past experiences and our genetic propensities. We hide from that which causes stress by spending hours in bed or seldom leaving the house.
Social interaction is painful and kept to a minimum.
Some of us cause ourselves physical pain in order to gain relief from the psychological pain of depression and unresolved stress. Putting the brain on hold by repeating a mindless act, over and over. Becoming someone else who is not subject to the pain experienced by the true self. Someone who is able to exercise a degree of control, in a life out of control. Exercising control over something or someone to the point of obsession in an effort to compensate for the lack of control over the pain of unresolved stress and the pain of depression.