How Chronic Illnesses Impact Mental Health

Our bodies are complex and interconnected, with overall health and wellness composed of co-dependent dimensions such as physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Think of your body like a garden that needs tending in many different areas: water, soil, fertilizer, weeding and sunlight work together to contribute to the health of the garden, and when any of the areas are neglected, the whole plot suffers. The same is true for the body.

Managing your overall health is a delicate balance, especially if you’re living with a long-term health condition. Continue reading as we dive into how chronic illness can take a toll on mental health—and what you can do about it.

How does chronic illness affect mental health?

Chronic illness—a health condition that lasts for more than a few months and requires ongoing treatment—can have a significant impact on individuals and families, including caregivers. Long-term conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes are incredibly common in the U.S., with six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Ongoing health challenges can be taxing on one’s mind and body. Pain, fatigue and physical limitations can be frustrating to live with, often leading to depression and anxiety. Appointments, treatments and medical bills can lead to disrupted routines and ongoing stress. These stressors aren’t just limited to patients, extending to family members and caregivers as well.

Managing your overall health is a delicate balance, especially if you’re living with a long-term health condition.

Conversely, left untreated, mental illness can lead to declines in physical health. A number of studies have shown that mental illness may be linked to premature aging, and those with mental health conditions are at a higher risk for conditions like heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. 

It’s clear: the body and the brain are intrinsically linked, and striving for harmony and balance is important. The good news is that treating your health holistically can lead to better outcomes and improve quality of life.

What tools or resources can help improve mental health amid chronic illness?

Fortunately, free and low-cost resources are available to improve mental health right at your fingertips. Online telehealth appointments are a good option for those patients who are limited by transportation or spend much of their days shuttling to various medical appointments. There are many helpful apps out there to guide users through mindfulness and meditation, help with symptom tracking and chime in with health reminders and tips. 

Exercise is a win-win, providing your body with both physical and mental health benefits. Beyond the physical advantages like reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular function, exercise triggers the release of healthy, mood-boosting chemicals in the brain like dopamine and endorphins. The benefits of exercise are mostly cumulative, which means that your body will benefit in the long run from sticking with an exercise routine.

Left untreated, mental illness can lead to declines in physical health.

Counseling—both individual and group—provides an outlet for patients to be vulnerable. If you’ve never tried therapy before, it can seem daunting, but you’d be surprised by just how good it can feel to express what you’re going through. There are even support groups that bring people with similar experiences together, like caregivers and those living with certain illnesses.

If you’re struggling and feel you would benefit from professional help, we’re here for you. At CTI-OK, we’re committed to helping to find you the right combination of behavioral health services and medical interventions individualized for treating the whole person, regardless of ability to pay. Visit our website at CTI-OK.org or give us a call at 918-384-0002 to learn more about our services.