Connection to the Impacts of Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Chronic illness can feel like a thief. Stealing away your plans, goals, and negatively impacting your mental health. Maybe you have been struggling with an illness since birth, so you never understood what it would be like to lead a typical life. This could also be a recent diagnosis, which may have brought a touch of relief but you must now learn how to navigate this new normal.
Grieving a Typical Life
Chronic illness can impact activities that those leading a healthy life don’t even consider. Things like movement, extreme dietary restrictions, and administering medicine can affect basic activities like going to work, school, or driving. Some symptoms of chronic illnesses can make people feel helpless, which can lead to depression. Learning how to be independent or identifying what you can do independently can positively impact your mental health.
Comparing Life Before and After Chronic Illness Diagnosis
Individuals with a later diagnosis might remember what their life looked like before their illness. Losing freedom, flexibility, and the ability to participate in hobbies or interests can leave you struggling and feeling lost. Finding a new role and accepting your diagnosis can be extremely difficult and stressful. A diagnosis that impacts your ability to work and increasing medical expenses can increase stressors and cause anxiety.
Feeling Alone and Isolated
Maybe living with your chronic illness has become second nature to you, but there are moments or events that trigger feelings of isolation, anger, or resentment. Sometimes even the most supportive friends and family cannot truly understand the way you feel. Therapists specializing in threatening individuals with chronic illness or community support groups can you can help process these emotions.
People Who Don't Understand Your Illness
You will come across people who “don’t get it” when it comes to chronic illness. They may think that if you just tried something different or made lifestyle changes, your symptoms would lessen or completely disappear. There is a difference between trying to be encouraging and causing more harm.
These types of illnesses do not have a quick fix. Sometimes these kinds of people can make you feel like something is wrong with you or that you need to somehow try harder to heal. These feelings can cause feelings of negative self-worth. Surround yourself with individuals who are positive and encouraging. They should also acknowledge that while your illness is something that you can manage, it does not go away.
Linking Therapy, Mental Health, and Illness
Living with a chronic illness often requires additional support. Additional accommodations, healthcare needs, and work flexibility are a few things that come to mind. However, a regular mental health routine should also be part of your chronic illness treatment plan. Maintaining regular therapy sessions alongside routine doctor appointments, testing, and procedures is crucial.
Helping Others Manage Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Living with a constant illness also puts you in a unique position to truly empathize with others going through something similar. Advocacy and ambassador programs can truly provide needed assistance, but they must always educate those who don’t have an understanding of what a chronic illness entails.
Focusing on your mental health and your physical health will encourage healing twofold. Knowing the difficulties of juggling a chronic illness, therapy can be a key part of your ability to enjoy and live your life to the fullest. Online options are available as well, especially if your illness makes it difficult to manage in-person sessions. If you are struggling with maintaining a positive mental health outlook and managing a chronic illness, please reach out for a free consultation. We will pair you with a therapist who will best suit your needs.
