Can chronic medical illness affect mental health?

Chronic medical diseases are defined as illnesses that require ongoing medical attention because of their prolonged duration. They do not spontaneously resolve and while the diseases may be treatable, there is rarely a complete cure. There may also be many other invisible symptoms, such as pain, fatigue and mood disorders.

Examples of chronic illnesses are:

• Diabetes

• Cystic fibrosis

• Ulcerative colitis

• HIV+

• Asthma

• Arthritis

In fact, individuals who struggle with chronic medical illness are more likely to struggle with depression. When a chronic medical illness is diagnosed there is an obvious "focus on the physical" aspects of the disease and while this makes sense initially -- it also important to assess the impact of the medical condition on your mental health.

As the reality of your medical condition sets in, you may begin to feel alone, a sense of loss of control and uncertainty about the future. You may also experience negative feelings about the self, begin to isolate and withdraw from family and friends, struggle with managing your illness and overall adherence to medical treatment recommendations.

Symptoms of depression can be mild to severe, and include:

• Feeling sad or empty

• Losing interest in favorite activities

• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all

• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much

• Having trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Feeling very tired

• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty

• Having aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems

• Having thoughts of suicide or death

While a chronic medical illness is often incurable, mental health problems are not. There are psychological treatments available to help you manage your symptoms of depression as they emerge.

Contact Dr. Cecily Portillo for a free phone consultation to discuss how individual therapy may be helpful in managing your mental health.