Chronic illnesses are some of the toughest conditions that an individual has to deal with not only the body but also one’s spirit. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis or heart diseases bring or are accompanied by several related symptoms and require so many treatments that can actually stress a patient’s mental health. Analyzing the relationship between mental health and chronic disease self-management is important to improve health. In this article, the author looks at how five key aspects of mental health affect the ability to manage chronic illness and then outlines how to find effective coping mechanisms.
Understanding the Connection
It is widely agreed that chronic diseases and mental disorders are in some way connected. It becomes a frustrating process perhaps associated with anxiety and depression for patients who are living with long-term health conditions. This paper seeks to explain how the pressure of handling symptoms, sticking to a particular regime, and dealing with new ways of living generates a pattern of suffering. On the other hand, mentally unhealthy individuals are likely to have worsened physical health resulting in poor disease self-management.
The Social and Emotional consequences OF chronic illness
Individuals with chronic illnesses may experience a range of emotional responses, including:
Anxiety: One has anxiety regarding the further evolution of an illness, the effectiveness of a treatment, or its possible side effects.
Depression: A chronic illness means having to take responsibility for the management of the illness and this, coupled with the effects of the illness, may make the patient feel hopeless or even sad and may lead to clinical depression.
Isolation: Self-management of chronic conditions can exclude persons and cause them to feel that they are alienated from their friends and loved ones.
Recognizing these emotional responses is the first step toward addressing them and improving overall quality of life.
The Importance of Mental Health in Disease Management
Addressing mental health is a critical component of effective chronic disease management for several reasons:
Improved Adherence to Treatment: He also stated that people with better mental health are going to be more compliant with the treatments, whether they are medication, dietary changes, exercising, and the like.
Better Coping Strategies: Psychological health can definitely improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic disease. It is thus important to learn how to manage stress or cause health in order to reduce the negative effects that stress may have on an individual’s fitness.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Attention to mental aspects enhances the quality of feelings thus enhancing the quality of life.
Reduction in Healthcare Costs: People with good mental health may stay away from complications and hence may utilize the healthcare system minimally; thus healthcare costs will be reduced.
Strategies for Supporting Mental Health
Seek Professional Support
Counseling with mental health workers may be helpful to individuals suffering from one or more chronic diseases. Psychotherapy can make an individual understand his or her feelings, find ways to manage stress, and alleviate anxiety or depression. CBT is used especially for the treatment of various abuses since it focuses on providing patients with skills to overcome negative perceptions about stress.
Read More… The Role of Community in Chronic Disease Management
Build a Support Network
It can be rather helpful for patients with chronic illnesses to meet people who know what life with these conditions feels like. A community forum, whether face-to-face or over the internet is a platform that offers members a chance to vent their experiences, seek to understand them as well learn from the experiences of others. They also have friends and family who take a social support role in the patient’s life.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness training, including meditation, yoga, or the use of deep breathing, may help them decrease stress and anxiety. They can reduce tensions and make people concentrate on the present time rather than dwelling on what might happen or on past events.
Prioritize Physical Activity
Not only does the practice of physical activity control chronic ailments but also facilitates the maintenance of a sound mind. Physical activity, specifically exercising, relieves stress by letting out hormones known as endorphins to the brain and can be beneficial to anyone suffering from anxiety and or depression. The recommended aerobic physical activity level is moderately intense for a minimum of 150 minutes a week; however, a healthcare provider should always be consulted before engaging in any type of activity.
