![]() ![]() 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 Those who have co-occurring depression and chronic illness are also likely to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses, increased difficulty adapting, and higher medical costs than those who have chronic illness without depression. Individuals with chronic medical conditions have a higher risk of developing depression than otherwise-healthy people. The Link Between Chronic Illness & Depression However, if feelings of distress are impeding your ability to care for yourself or function in your daily life for an extended period of time, it may make sense to seek help from a professional. ![]() Feelings such as grief, sadness, worry or anger may be typical. Many people may struggle to feel good in their daily lives, comfortable in their bodies, or connected in relationships. The amount of stress associated with chronic illness is related to how overwhelming or threatening it seems. You might expect that anyone dealing with a chronic health condition would have a certain level of distress. If the chronic illness is progressive, reactions can ebb and flow with the ups and downs of the disease course.” 20 How each person copes with these reactions depends on many factors, including individual mental health histories, personal coping styles and sense of resilience, family, work and other social supports. You also must deal with the stress of learning how to manage your illness, with the knowledge that it may exist for the rest of your life.Īccording to Andrea Arzt, LCSW, MSCS, Director of Healthcare Provider Engagement for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “Being diagnosed with chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis can take significant emotional adjustment and can include many reactions such as grief, anxiety, anger and guilt. Depending on the diagnosis and how severe it is, you may experience changes in your lifestyle, level of physical functioning, and even find that your role in your family and community changes, too. When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness, a lot may change. The Relationship Between Chronic Illness & Mental Health
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