Being diagnosed with a chronic physical illness can weary many people. They may feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life and may experience difficulty coping with the new reality.

Chronic illnesses are often associated with physical and emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or panic attacks, which may prompt feelings of restlessness and irritability. In some cases, these feelings are often accompanied by guilt if the patients feel they are too dependent on their loved ones, or they can't support themselves like before.

Knowing how chronic illnesses affect mental health is key in developing coping strategies and improving your life quality.

The Burden of the New Reality

Prolonged illness requires significant adjustments for the individual, and some people might not feel ready for this. Some adjustments may include refraining from their usual habits, changing diet, losing or maintaining a certain weight, letting go of obligations, and even changing or quitting your job.

Ideally, people get used to the new limitations and changes the health condition has placed them, such as loss of independence and constricted mobility. Adjusting to a new lifestyle may require dependence on treatments that could affect their feelings. All these and more can easily lead to feelings of stress, sadness, and hopelessness.

The Slip into Depression

Approximately one-third of individuals diagnosed with a chronic illness will experience symptoms of depression. Chronic illness primarily associated with depression affect a patient's lifestyle, longevity, and overall health, and some include heart attack, cancer, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

While the change in emotions is normal, if depression persists, that person will need to be proactive about seeking proper care. Some of the treatments for chronic illness can be burdensome, so it's important to find ways to adjust to your treatments and illness while engaging a qualified therapist.

Social Withdrawal and Loneliness

Once a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, it's common for them to withdraw from activities they used to enjoy and even avoid people. The situation can worsen, leading to complete social isolation and increasing your risk for other conditions.

People often desire socialization by nature, and isolating yourself after a diagnosis can do more harm than good. Instead, think about joining organizations and self-help groups that connect you to community resources. More importantly, keep your support system close to try to prevent a devastating impact on your psychological and physical health.

Finding Your Balance In Chronic Illness And Mental Health

Poor mental health can slow recovery or worsen your medical condition if you don't seek help. For people with chronic illness, it's important to seek help from a professional therapist if you begin to experience symptoms of depression.

Here are detailed steps you may adopt to reduce depression as you navigate life with a chronic illness.

• Engage medical professionals: Always talk to healthcare professionals about your concerns and ask all the questions you have to learn more about your illness. This will help you realize what is happening to your body, how it affects you, and how you can cope.

• Work with a therapist: Therapy can be quite helpful when you slip into depression or anxiety. Treatment can help you to accept the new reality, change your behavior, and adapt to your new lifestyle.

• Surround yourself with support: Chronic illness can be demanding, so it's essential to surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. This can go a long way in improving your mental health. Joining support groups can also help you feel less isolated and more understood. It can also be a good resource as a way to learn about other people’s experiences and how they cope with their illnesses.

• Focus on your mental and physical self-care: Mental and physical wellness is essential in healthy living when diagnosed with a chronic health condition. So, strive to improve your sleep, reduce stress, and follow the health care provider's instructions. A regular routine and dietary changes may also improve your overall health in this condition.

Today, you can easily connect with therapists online, and they can provide coping strategies that will help lessen the impacts of depression and other mental health conditions. Surrounding yourself with people or things that make you feel good can also accelerate healing.

Be Aware Of Your Own Body and Mind

Getting a diagnosis of chronic illness can be a life-changing event, resulting in physical symptoms and emotions like grief, sadness, and denial. These feelings may lead to depression, a significant mental health threat; however, there are several to cope with this situation and improve your quality of life.

Whatever the case, know that you're never alone -- there are local resources and self-help groups that can be pretty helpful in adapting to your new life. At Paper Cranes Counseling, we have professional therapists to guide you through the new reality to a better quality of life.

Be sure to schedule your free consultation today; we'll be glad to help you!

Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. Visit www.papercranescounseling.com for more information.