Living with a chronic illness is a journey that extends beyond the physical aspects. Chronic illness and mental health share an intricate relationship, as chronic illness can affect mental health in psychological, emotional, and social ways.
What is a Chronic Illness?
A chronic illness is a medical condition that typically lasts for an extended period, often for the rest of a person’s life. These conditions may progress slowly and may not have a cure, requiring ongoing medical management to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Chronic illnesses can affect various systems in the body. Examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, among others.
Living with a chronic illness involves regular medical monitoring, medication management, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes physical or occupational therapy. The impact of chronic illnesses can vary widely, ranging from conditions that allow individuals to lead relatively normal lives with proper management to those that significantly limit daily activities and require more intensive medical intervention. Managing a chronic illness may involve psychological and emotional aspects.
How Does Chronic Illness Affect Mental Health?
Psychological Strain
The relentless nature of chronic conditions can create a continuous state of stress and anxiety. The constant need to manage symptoms, adhere to treatment plans, and cope with the uncertainty of the future can contribute to heightened levels of psychological strain.
Moreover, the symptoms of chronic illnesses themselves can directly impact mental health. For instance, chronic pain, a common symptom in many conditions, can lead to depression and anxiety. The persistent discomfort and the challenges of managing pain daily can wear down an individual’s mental resilience.
Emotional Strain
The emotional toll of chronic illness is often underestimated. Individuals with chronic conditions may experience a range of emotions, including grief, anger, frustration, and fear. The loss of normalcy and the adjustments required to accommodate the illness can create a sense of mourning for the life one had planned.
The cyclical nature of chronic illness, marked by periods of remission and exacerbation, can create an emotional rollercoaster. The unpredictability of symptom flare-ups can make it challenging for individuals to envision the future, fostering a sense of insecurity and instability that affects various aspects of their lives.
Social Isolation
The limitations imposed by the illness, such as physical restrictions or the need for frequent medical appointments, may result in reduced social interactions. Individuals with chronic illnesses may find themselves withdrawing from social circles, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Some chronic illnesses may not manifest obvious physical symptoms, making it challenging for others to understand the extent of the individual’s struggles. This lack of understanding can contribute to feelings of alienation and isolation.
Financial Stress
The costs associated with medical treatments, medications, and frequent doctor visits can accumulate, placing strain on individuals and their families. The financial stressors, coupled with the potential loss of income due to disability, can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety and depression.
The financial implications of chronic illness can extend beyond the immediate costs of healthcare. Individuals may also face challenges in securing employment or maintaining productivity, leading to long-term financial instability. This added stress can exacerbate existing mental health issues, creating a challenging cycle that intertwines financial concerns with emotional well-being.
Common Co-existing Mental Illnesses and Chronic Physical Conditions
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes often experience stress associated with their chronic condition, which can negatively affect their mental health. Elevated blood glucose, as found in diabetes, is associated with the development of depression and anxiety.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Studies have shown that there is a link between depression and heart disease. Individuals with heart disease are three times more likely to develop depression. This is counterproductive as mental and emotional distress is proven to slow the rehabilitation process after a stroke.
Respiratory Conditions
Individuals with mental illness are more likely to smoke as a method of self-soothing, which increases their risk of developing respiratory conditions.
People with chronic respiratory diseases have elevated rates of depression and anxiety. This often starts a vicious cycle, as poor self-care worsens the respiratory disease, which in turn worsens mental health. Asthma increases the likelihood of the individual experiencing anxiety or a panic attack.
Cancers
Individuals diagnosed with cancer have an increased risk of developing depression due to stress, uncertainty, emotional upset, and bodily changes. The co-existence of a mental illness and cancer can alter the individual’s prognosis and interfere with cancer treatment.
Arthritis
It has been found that arthritis often leads to the development of anxiety and mood disorders, especially in younger individuals and those who experience chronic or frequent pain due to their condition.
How Can the Psychological Strain of Chronic Illness Be Managed?
Despite the myriad challenges posed by chronic illness, many individuals develop coping mechanisms and resilience that aid in maintaining their mental well-being. The ability to adapt to the changes brought about by illness, seek support from loved ones, and engage in self-care practices can enhance psychological resilience.
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in assisting individuals with chronic illnesses in developing effective coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and support groups are among the therapeutic approaches that have shown efficacy in helping individuals manage the emotional and psychological impact of chronic conditions.
