The Link Between Mental Health and Chronic Illness

Introduction

Chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and cancer often lead to a comorbid diagnosis of a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. In a meta-analysis by The National Library of Medicine, researchers found, “The pooled prevalence of mental disorders in patients with chronic physical diseases was 36.6%.” This development can be cyclical in many ways, leading researchers to believe that chronic illness can contribute to mental health conditions, and that mental health conditions can contribute to chronic illness as well. For instance, depression can make certain tasks difficult, which can in turn impact one’s personal hygiene and physical health. This can then lead to higher blood pressure or other physical health issues. To mirror this, facing and dealing with the emotions that coincide with being diagnosed with a chronic illness can lead to individuals feeling depressed, anxious, etc. From a sociological perspective, being diagnosed with a chronic illness is an important social influence for the context in which we process emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression. This is supported by the National Institute of Health when they state chronic illness can lead to objective social disconnectedness and withdrawal.

Impact on Mental Health and Coming to Terms with Diagnoses

For many, being diagnosed with a life-long condition can feel extremely overwhelming. To start, physical health can impact your emotional well-being. The National Institute of Mental Health claims that chronic illness diagnosis can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress. Coming to terms with a diagnosis that will last for a long time requires a constant use of coping skills. This process can take different amounts of time for different people. Therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices can improve one’s overall mental health in situations like these. There are various support groups focused specifically on individuals who live with a chronic illness. Eastside Ideal Health states that by using a holistic approach to address physical and mental health, “individuals can achieve optimal physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” At Rethink Mental Illness, they state that acceptance of a mental or physical disease, “may help you to make positive changes and help you to reach new goals.”

Awareness, Education, and Community Outreach

Spreading awareness about different conditions not only educates people on the impact of physical diseases, but this also lets them know and understand how it can affect mental health. As a community, we can all learn about different conditions (mental and physical) and help those who live with them feel less alone and isolated. This, along with other outreach, can affect the community in a positive way. For example, through social media apps, more and more people are learning about chronic illnesses and their effect on mental health. On social media, I’ve seen more people talking about conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Tourette’s Syndrome, and Epilepsy to name a few. Through apps like TikTok and Instagram, we can spread awareness and information like never before.

Conclusion

In summary, it is very common to be diagnosed with comorbid physical and mental health conditions. These can be bidirectional and potentially harmful to one’s emotional and physical well-being. Those who live with this combination are not alone. Educating, spreading awareness, and increasing community outreach can help us create a more understanding society.