Mental Health
Mental Health and Chronic Diseases
In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we have decided to address this topic in relation to chronic illnesses.
Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about mental health and its importance in people’s lives.
Let’s begin by explaining what a chronic illness is.
CHRONIC ILLNESS
WHAT IS IT?
A health condition or problem that persists over time
With an indeterminate duration
CHRONIC DISEASES
leading cause of death and disability
In general, it progresses slowly, and there may not be a definitive cure; however, it can be managed with medication to control the condition and improve patients’ quality of life.
Examples include conditions such as diabetes, HIV, and autoimmune diseases, as well as rare diseases, among others.
What is the connection to mental health?
Imagine that you receive a diagnosis of an illness, and suddenly your life depends on a treatment and new living conditions.
How would it affect you?
Living with a chronic illness
We can certainly confirm that it affects emotional well-being, as it has a major impact on people’s lives in every respect—professional, familial, financial, social, and so on.
Living with a chronic illness can be a constant emotional and psychological challenge. Uncertainty about the future, chronic pain, physical limitations, and exhaustion can all contribute to the development of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Effects on people
Living with a chronic illness generates a profound and bidirectional impact on mental health, considerably increasing the risk of developing disorders such as anxiety, chronic stress and depression.
It is estimated that about 70% of people with chronic pathologies experience depressive symptoms due to physical limitations, pain, fatigue and wear and tear from daily treatments.
The impact of chronic diseases on mental health
Mental health and chronic illnesses are more interconnected than many people realize.
In general, medical care tends to treat the body and the mind as separate entities, but the reality is that these two aspects of our health are intrinsically linked.
Understanding this relationship is key to taking a comprehensive approach to the health of people living with chronic illnesses.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Studies have shown that people with chronic illnesses have a significantly higher risk of developing depression compared to those without such conditions.
Furthermore, depression can exacerbate the symptoms of a chronic illness, creating a vicious cycle in which physical and mental distress feed into each other.
Key Psychological Challenges
Duel
Being diagnosed with a long-term condition often necessitates a reorganization of one’s routine, work, and personal relationships.
This triggers a genuine grieving process for the “loss” of one’s former life and optimal health.
Uncertainty
The unpredictable nature of flare-ups or chronic symptoms leads to a state of constant alertness and hypervigilance, resulting in elevated levels of generalized anxiety.
Worry
It is common for patients to become frustrated if the treatment does not work, or to feel that they are not taking good enough care of themselves.
Isolation
A lack of understanding from those around one increases emotional disconnection and loneliness.
Mental health as a risk factor
On the other hand, depression, anxiety, or chronic stress can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing chronic physical illnesses.
Therefore, taking care of one’s mental health is essential not only for psychological well-being but also for the prevention and management of physical illnesses.
Strategies for dealing with the situation
Fortunately, there are effective strategies for breaking the cycle between chronic illnesses and poor mental health.
Integrating mental health care into the treatment of chronic illnesses is a fundamental approach.
This includes psychological therapies, as well as the appropriate use of medication when necessary.
SOCIAL SUPPORT IS FUNDAMENTAL
People with chronic illnesses often benefit from support networks—such as patient associations—that provide the encouragement and understanding needed to cope with emotional and physical challenges.
Support groups, group therapy, and the simple act of maintaining healthy social connections can make a significant difference in their well-being.
Source: Tu psiquiatra; Plataforma de pacientes