When physical health conditions are chronic, they can affect mental health and well-being in a variety of ways. In this blog, I’ll share a bit of information about chronic illness and explore its complex relationship with #mentalhealth.
What is Chronic Illness?
A chronic illness is a health condition that persists for a year or more and requires ongoing medical attention or limits activities of daily living. Unlike acute illnesses that come on suddenly and resolve quickly, chronic illnesses are long-lasting and often lifelong. Examples include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain conditions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Dry Eye Disease
These conditions vary widely in their symptoms and severity, but they all share the common thread of requiring long-term management.
The Mental Health Impact of Chronic Illness
Living with a #chronicillness can have considerable effects on mental health. When first diagnosed with a chronic illness, many individuals go through a period of adjustment. This often involves a grieving process for the loss of their previous health status or the future they had envisioned. It's understandable to react to these losses with a variety of emotions, like sadness, disappointment, and frustration/anger.
If these emotions persist over long periods of time, become very intense, or are associated with other changes, such as #stress, anxiety or depression, then one’s psychological well-being is being impacted negatively. Here’s some of the ways in which this process unfolds:
The Emergence of Stress
When one is managing a chronic illness, there are a number of activities to “juggle", such as attending medical appointments, executing the steps of their treatment plans, and navigating the healthcare system. Some illnesses require lengthy treatment regimens and lifestyle changes that take considerable time and effort to learn and incorporate into daily life. For example, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves making many dietary changes (eg., reducing use of vinegar, onions/garlic, citrus, fats, and alcohol), taking medication, and often changing how food is cooked (eg., increasing steaming and grilling and reducing frying). The amount of change that is required will depend on how many of these food items are used in beloved recipes.
Stress can emerge when we try to make a lot of change in a short period of time, when it’s difficult to locate substitutions or alternatives, when we resist change, and when we put too much pressure on ourselves to change quickly or to do it perfectly. Sometimes, there are a lot of parts to “juggle” in a health care plan, or there are changes to a complicated treatment plan, which can also evoke stress. With some health conditions, our ability to work is affected and so financial strain may also be experienced. When we experience a lot of stress, it can be difficult to focus and make progress on our goals, despite our best intentions.
It's crucial to understand that mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected. Poor mental health can exacerbate physical symptoms, while improved mental well-being can often lead to better management of chronic conditions.
Social Isolation
Physical limitations, or the unpredictability of symptoms, can make it challenging to maintain social connections. As well, some illnesses may cause changes in physical appearance, which can impact our feelings and thoughts about our selves and our bodies, and influence how often we reach out for social connection. In addition, some illnesses can require more planning and preparation when visiting with friends and family. For example, given the dietary needs associated with GERD, persons may need to bring a dish to an event, or speak with the host about food choices before attending. At the outset of an illness, these steps may seem challenging for some. When social connections are disrupted, feelings of isolation and loneliness can emerge, which can increase stress and increase the risk for depression.
Therapeutic Strategies
While the mental health challenges associated with chronic illness are significant, they are not insurmountable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in helping individuals develop coping strategies, manage stress, and reframe negative thought patterns. Other therapeutic approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can also be beneficial as well. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage both physical symptoms (eg., pain) and mental health challenges (eg., anxiety).
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide validation, practical tips, and a sense of community.
Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and gentle exercise (as appropriate for one's condition) can have positive impacts on both physical and mental health. A #Psychologist will support your efforts to educate yourself with nutrition and body movements, and can assist when there are difficulties to bring these changes into your life. As noted by the Canadian Psychological Association, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) is an evidence-based treatment and has been shown to be as effective as, or more effective than, sleep medications and produces longer lasting improvements in sleep.
Living with a chronic illness presents unique challenges, but with support and tools, it's possible to maintain mental health and find joy and meaning in life. If you're struggling with the mental health impacts of a chronic condition, don't hesitate to reach out to a Clinical or Health Psychologist. Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.