Coping with the Mental Toll of Physical Chronic Illness
Indira Kakodkar
June 11 , 2024
Imagine waking up one day with a throbbing pain in your head. Now imagine that pain never going away.
Anything that affects our health, be it physical or mental, takes time to heal. However, knowing that one day your body will return to ‘normal’ gives people relief. Unfortunately, that relief is not experienced by everyone.
Understanding Chronic Illness
The National Cancer Insititute defines Chronic Illness as,’ a disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time.’ These long-term illnesses cannot be cured, however, they can be managed over time and controlled. Living with these ailments and their treatment can be challenging as they are compounded by a person’s cultural, economic and healthcare landscapes. These conditions require continuous care and lifestyle adjustments.
Commonly seen chronic illnesses are:
Diabetes
Cancer
Cardiovascular Diseases
Asthma
The Intersection Between Physical and Mental Illness
The human body is complex and its processes are integrated at every level. Changes in one area bring changes in the other. This holds true for illness as well. Physical illness and mental health issues often overlap. Chronic illnesses can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
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This happens for several reasons:
Pain and Discomfort: A person who is under constant or recurring physical pain may lose mental resilience over time. They may begin to lose hope of recovering which in turn may cause mental health issues.
Lifestyle Limitations: In the case of Chronic Illness, certain physical abilities of individuals are hindered for lasting periods, due to which people may have to make extreme lifestyle changes. Activities such as hiking, swimming, driving or walking can be affected. Individuals may become limited in what they can do which in turn affects their personal and social goals. This can prove to be detrimental to a person's mental health.
Uncertainty and Fear: The prolonged fear of the unknowing or feelings of uncertainty that come with chronic illness can cause individuals to stress and worry, which can turn into a heavy mental burden.
How to Cope with the Mental Burden
Despite these challenges, there are several ways to manage the mental health impact of chronic illnesses:
Seeking Professional Help: When facing a mental burden it is always helpful to reach out to a mental health professional. Such professionals may provide coping strategies to help with the mental strain created by such illness.
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Support Groups: Studies have shown that being part of a community or a support group can improve mental health. A sense of community can help a person feel more supported during their mental health struggles and can act as a safe space for them.
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Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can improve overall well-being and help manage stress. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can also reduce stress and improve mental health.
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Education and Awareness: An important aspect when it comes to illness is knowledge. Learning about the illness and its management can reduce fear and anxiety, making it easier to cope. Education about such topics can ensure that an individual doesn't take up harmful coping strategies.
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While being diagnosed with a Chronic Illness may seem like an already lost fight, it is far from it. While such illnesses cannot be cured, in most cases they can be successfully managed. The steps an individual takes towards managing it are of great importance.
Until recent years, mental health and physical health were seen as two vastly different spheres, and their intersection was not given any importance. This has now changed due to a multifaceted approach that includes reducing stigma, increasing access to mental health resources, and providing education and support to those affected. It is no longer a bleak outcome for those with such illnesses; their access to support for both mental health and physical health has increased, leading to a better standard of living.
NOTE: The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Here at Heart It Out it is always possible to reach out to skilled professionals to aid you in your journey.
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