People with chronic illness often have to adjust their mindset over time. A patient must mourn the loss of a life that once was a certain way in regards to relationships, careers, extra curricular activities and day to day activities. While there is a certain relief with a diagnosis, there is also the reality that life is forever changed. How can people make a healthy mental adjustment to life with chronic illness?
Often times people will chronic illness find they have an emotional reaction to their diagnosis. It can become difficult for a doctor to diagnose depression in a chronically ill patient. The symptoms of the illness oftentimes mask the depression that comes along with the disease so the mental effects go untreated.
Chronic illness can lead to disabilities which can easily lead one into depression.
According to Web MD, the following illnesses increase the likelihood of a patient having depression.
- Heart attack: 40%-65% experience depression
- Coronary artery disease (without heart attack): 18%-20% experience depression
- Parkinson’s disease: 40% experience depression
- Multiple sclerosis: 40% experience depression
- Stroke: 10%-27% experience depression
- Cancer: 25% experience depression
- Diabetes: 25% experience depression
- Chronic pain syndrome: 30%-54% experience depression
These statics give a glimpse at the reality of depression in those chronically ill. The symptoms make the depression be masked and therefore often not treated properly.
When a patient receives a diagnosis of chronic illness, it is wise to seek help emotionally as well. Find a pastor or counselor who will guide you through discussion and acceptance of what your life will look like for the future. It is acceptable to grieve what your life had looked like preillness and now. Walking through this type of discussion with a professional will help you navigate the situation in a mentally healthy way. It allows an outside party to determine if further treatment is required to balance the mental side your diagnosis.
Growing your relationship with God will help with the mental adjustments of a life with chronic illness.
The study of Scripture and a growing prayer life can lead one to lean into God for guidance and hope. Make a set of index cards of Scripture that remind you of who God is, and what promises He gives you. These cards are good to keep near when you need a reminder on those mentally tough days. Often times crying out to God when pain or difficulties arise in ones health allow you to be honest with God about the situation. He is God so He can take you telling Him that your illness is difficult or not fair. Honestly, God already knows this and He wants you to admit it to Him.
Another way to grow mentally healthy with chronic illness is to create a gratitude journal.
When we focus on the good in our lives (even those of us with a chronic diagnosis have things to be thankful for). Grab a blank notebook and a pen. Make a point to list 3 things a day that you are grateful for. Make a goal to do this daily until you reach 500 or 1000 things. You will find that your outlook on your life redirects. Do not give up on your gratitude journal once you reach the goal, but keep growing your list. Before you know it, your outlook on life has shifted from burdened to blessed.
The reality of depression and chronic illness is that you may need to take medication to help with the effects of the depression. There is no shame in discussing this with your doctor. These other methods will help to enhance your overcoming the symptoms of mental health may have on you after a chronic illness.
What do you find that helps you make a mentally healthy adjustment to life with chronic illness?