Chronic Illness and Depression: How to Find Hope and Support

It is more common for people who suffer from chronic illnesses to also struggle with depression. Unfortunately, people who suffer from depression also have an increased risk of developing a chronic illness. However, depression can still be treated even if you have a chronic illness.

What is a chronic illness?

• A condition that usually lasts three months or longer.
• Is not preventable by vaccination.
• Has no existing cure, even if it is treatable.

Heart disease, stroke, and ongoing pain are examples of some of the most prevalent types of chronic conditions (diseases). It is estimated that more than one hundred million people in the United States are coping with at least one chronic illness, and the majority of them are managing at least two illnesses simultaneously. There is a high rate of inaccuracy and delay in the diagnosis of chronic diseases. When you are aware that something  is wrong with your body but you are unable to get a diagnosis or treatment for it, it can be an extremely taxing experience on your emotional well-being.

After receiving a diagnosis, additional issues might appear. In general, the treatment focuses on the physical aspects of the disease the vast majority of the time; in the meantime, the mental and emotional aspects may not receive the appropriate attention. It may be difficult for you to articulate how you are feeling in the beginning stages of a chronic illness as well as throughout the illness itself.

In general, the treatment focuses on the physical aspects of the disease the vast majority of the time; in the meantime, the mental and emotional aspects may not receive the appropriate attention.

Working through a chronic illness diagnosis

A diagnosis of chronic illness can cause a person to experience a sense of having lost touch with who they are. Someone may advise you to give up or scale back on certain activities. Alterations to one’s diet and level of physical activity might be required. There’s a chance that you’ll talk about surgery, and you may have never had one before. After receiving a diagnosis, a lot of things might change.

But you haven’t changed a bit. Because the majority of chronic illnesses are invisible, it may be more challenging for you to feel as though others understand what you are going through. It also has the potential to be perplexing. It’s important to remember that what you see when you look in the mirror isn’t always an accurate reflection of how you feel on the inside.

If you find it difficult to process, you can be sure that it is also difficult for a great number of other people. It can be very draining to constantly feel as though you have to explain your symptoms to other people.

Those who do not have a chronic illness may have a difficult time comprehending the amount of effort required to function daily when dealing with it. You might get the impression that you are constantly required to defend yourself.

When it comes to your feelings, you might wonder if you will ever be able to get back to “your old self.” It’s possible that you’re concerned your loved ones won’t understand. It’s possible that some of your routines will need to be adjusted, that you’ll have to take on fewer responsibilities at work and home, and that your social life will suffer as a result.

Some of the changes may be relatively simple to implement, while others will be more challenging. It is possible to develop depression if you are forced to make significant changes in your life, even if those changes will improve your prognosis and increase the likelihood that you will survive your illness.

Depression is something that can crop up for a variety of reasons if you have been dealing with a chronic illness for a prolonged period. You might get the impression that you are unable to take part in life to the same extent as your contemporaries. As a result of your illness, you might find it challenging to maintain romantic relationships or to conceive children.

It’s possible that you feel as though your loved ones, whether they be friends or family or your spouse or partner, are getting sick of hearing about your symptoms. The treatment of a chronic illness over a prolonged period can result in feelings of isolation and lead to depression.

Solitude, isolation, and loneliness

Although they share some similarities, solitude, isolation, and loneliness each refers to very different experiences.

• The state of being alone is referred to as solitude.
• A lack of social relationships or emotional support can lead to feelings of isolation.
• A desire for more social interaction is at the heart of loneliness. It is frequently associated with emotions such as melancholy and emptiness.

There is nothing inherently wrong with choosing to spend time by oneself. Being alone can be a therapeutic and revitalizing experience at times. People may be able to get back in touch with their wants, ambitions, and feelings as a result of it.

More time alone is necessary for some people than for others. More introverted people, for example, get their energy from spending a lot of time by themselves and find that interacting with others is draining.

On the other hand, extroverts frequently require additional social interaction to experience a sense of fulfillment. Situations that make one person feel isolated and lonely might be beneficial to the health of another person. It may be difficult for you to keep your physical health in good shape if you have been battling depression for a long time.

How therapy can help with chronic illness and depression

When you are depressed, it can be challenging to maintain healthy habits such as eating, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Some of the antidepressants that are prescribed for depression have side effects that can harm a person’s physical health, such as an increase in cholesterol and weight gain.

The development of a chronic disease may also be made more likely by neglecting one’s physical health and failing to keep up with routine checkups. Depression can cause you to put off seeking treatment for a chronic condition for longer than you otherwise would.

Therapy can be an important part of the management of chronic illness as well as the treatment of depression, as it can provide both hope and a place to heal. Your thoughts and feelings regarding your chronic illness and depression can be explored with the help of therapy.

You should be allowed to develop coping skills to manage the emotional and physical aspects of a chronic illness. Show you how your thoughts can influence not only your feelings but also your actions. Your current beliefs about chronic illness and depression will be revealed, and you will be allowed to form new beliefs and thoughts regarding your illness as a result.

If you can change the way you think about your illness, you may also be able to change how it manifests physically in your body. Chronic pain can be better managed, in part, with the help of therapy. This is because therapy can help reduce stress, which is a contributory factor in cardiovascular disease and stroke.

When it comes to dealing with the day-to-day challenges of managing a chronic illness, therapy can, in general, assist you in regaining a sense of who you are, teaching you how to manage overwhelming feelings, and boosting your confidence.

Last but not least, it may be of even greater benefit to search for a therapist who specializes in the treatment of people afflicted with chronic illnesses. There is a good chance that these therapists have personal experience with or more in-depth comprehension of what it is like to live with a chronic illness. Contact us today and speak to a Christian counselor.