Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Why it Should be a Priority

If there is nothing else you lean about chronic illness today, it should be this: your mental health is extremely important and needs to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, with chronic illnesses or pain, your physical health is often the star of the show, hogging all of the attention. But your mental health also takes a lot of damage. This is because chronic illnesses can cause grief, anxiety, stress, depression, and so much more.

Make sure you are making your mental health a priority for full wellness when you have a chronic illness.

Chronic Illness Sufferers are at a Higher Risk of Mental Illness

As someone with a chronic illness, regardless of what illness you have, you are going to be at a higher risk for mental illness. It is a lot for you to go through mentally, from the constant pain you might experience, to coping with how different your life becomes.

Many people with a chronic illness notice they soon experience signs of stress, worsened anxiety, and depression. You might get burnout from how much your lifestyle is affected by the chronic illness or pain, and you may find that you get emotionally detached and no longer want to see anyone, as a sign of your depression.

Signs Your Mental Health is Suffering

Not sure if what you are experiencing is related to your mental health or note? Here are some signs you definitely don't want to ignore:

• You completely isolate yourself, and no longer talk to or see other people

• You feel like your life is now pointless and you are hopeless about the future

• You give up on your doctors being able to treat or manage your illness

• You have no pleasure in the things that once brought you joy

• You struggle with focus, recall, and concentration

• Your sleeping habits are drastically different

• You are easily agitated and have frequent mood swings

• You avoid leaving the house because of your anxiety

Make Your Mental Health a Priority

You should always make your mental health a priority whenever you notice signs of emotional suffering, burnout, depression, or anxiety. This can be even harder when you have a chronic condition because it takes so much time and energy focusing on your physical health that you mental wellbeing is often pushed aside.

Get help now when you start noticing your mental health suffering. Talk to your doctor and get a therapist who can help you with the emotional support side of your chronic illness. It is also a good time to build your support system of friends and family members who can be there when you need them.

Managing Your Emotional Health on a Regular Basis

Remember that your emotional and mental health are always going to be at risk, so you should always make managing them a priority. This includes getting enough rest when you need it, asking others for help, and getting outside as much as you can. Make sure you are still eating enough and getting regular exercise, when possible.