Everything in our bodies is connected—including our minds.
That’s right, physical and mental health are deeply linked. When we’re physically unwell, our mood can suffer, and when we’re not feeling our best mentally, it takes a toll on physical health.
This is especially true when dealing with chronic disease.
If you’re among the 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic disease (or the 40% with more than one)—studies show that you’re at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems as well.
There are a wide variety of risk factors that can lead to chronic illness—from lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet, or alcohol use to social determinants like poverty, discrimination, and access to affordable health care. Whatever the cause, if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease, your doctor may only focus on the physical aspects of your condition. You may need additional support to address the mental and emotional stress you may face throughout your treatment.
Living with a chronic illness presents unique challenges—and if poor mental health is one of them, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there’s help available. In this blog, we’ll explore the link between physical and mental health and how to get the help you need to treat your mind as well as your body.
How does physical illness affect mental health?
From the physical symptoms to the emotional impact, chronic physical health conditions can take a major toll on your overall quality of life. You may find yourself feeling sad, scared, or angry, or struggling to hold onto hope for your future. Over time, these feelings can develop into more serious mental health problems like depression and anxiety—issues which can sometimes complicate your physical health even further if left untreated
Depression
There’s a strong link between living with a chronic illness and a higher risk of developing depression. For example, 37 million Americans have diabetes, and they’re 2-3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
Why is this? Managing a chronic disease or chronic pain often requires constant medical attention and significant lifestyle changes. You might feel like you’ve lost the person you were pre-diagnosis, and struggle to separate your identity from your physical illness.
It’s understandable to experience symptoms of depression—like isolation, despair about your situation, or hopelessness for the future—especially when facing physical pain and fatigue during long-term treatment. But you don’t have to suffer alone. There’s help available to support you move forward.
Anxiety
Many people who live with chronic conditions feel that their life is divided in two: before their diagnosis, and after. And that makes sense—diagnoses are often life-changing events, opening up a whole new world of doctor’s appointments, managing medications, and monitoring symptoms as your condition progresses.
It’s natural to experience fear, anxiety, or even panic attacks throughout your treatment, especially right after diagnosis. But if left unchecked, chronic stress can further complicate your physical condition. It’s important to seek help if you need it.
Related: Does staying inside make anxiety worse?
How to get mental health help during treatment
As we’ve learned by now, your mental health can take a major toll on your physical well-being, especially if you’re living with chronic illness or chronic pain. And like any of your physical symptoms, if you’re feeling the weight of anxiety or depression during your treatment, it’s best not to leave it unchecked.
Even if you’re overwhelmed trying to juggle your chronic condition and your emotional health, there are small steps you can take to guide you in the right direction.
Talk to family and friends
Reaching out to loved ones about how you’re feeling can help unload the burden you’re carrying, even just a little. Those in your life may not realize how badly you’re struggling until you open up.
Look for small ways to care for yourself
Practicing self-care might seem basic, but it can have a significant impact on your daily life and overall comfort.
- Exercise has countless physical and mental health benefits. It can lower cortisol and adrenaline (your body’s stress hormones) and increase endorphins (your body’s feel-good hormone). If physical activity is hard in your condition, take it at your own pace—every little bit helps.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet as often as possible. Taking in the right nutrients will benefit your mind and body, giving you more energy, promoting better digestion, and leading to better sleep.
- Make time for the things you love. It can be easy to feel like your whole life has been overtaken by your illness. That’s why it’s more important than ever to squeeze in time for hobbies. No matter what it is that brings you joy—being outside in nature, spending time with your loved ones, cozying up with a good book—even 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference to your mental health.
Find a support group
Support groups can be a wonderful way to connect with those going through similar struggles. You can find understanding in each other in a way that few other people can relate to. The Center for Chronic Illness offers free, virtual support groups that are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.
Contact an organization for your chronic disease
There are plenty of organizations out there that focus on specific long-term illnesses, including the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. They exist to help people just like you, providing reliable information about your illness, tips to manage it, and treatment options to consider. You can reach out to them for information, guidance, and emotional support.
Talk therapy
One of the most effective ways to look after your mental health is by talking to a trained professional. Speaking to a therapist can give you a healthy outlet to express your thoughts, feelings, and fears, and they can give you practical tools to help you cope on days when things get rough or overwhelming. Watch this video for help in choosing a therapist.
Take the next step towards a better quality of life
No matter what you’re going through, the Western Tidewater team is here to help.
Western Tidewater Community Services Board (WTCSB) is the local authority on mental health, serving the citizens of Suffolk, Franklin, Southampton County, and Isle of Wight County in Virginia.
Make an appointment online today for same-day access to our mental health services, or contact our 24-hour emergency line at (757) 925-2484 for immediate help.