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Challenges of Chronic Illness

Posted By : Administrator Monday 10 Oct, 2016
Challenges of Chronic Illness


Written by Dinika Anand

Diagnosis of any illness is often a source of stress and anxiety. When the verdict is of a chronic condition disease in which the symptoms are long lasting and their effect is felt over the course of months and years—it becomes a cause for endless worry. It’s not just the patient that deals with this, family, friends and caregivers as well The onset of a chronic condition often translates into frequent visits to hospitals, doctors and investigations and everything from blood tests to biopsies. Caregivers become familiar with so many things that are completely new and unheard of. 

Patients’ loved ones are forced to deal with intense emotions like anger, hopelessness, grief and despair. Accepting the illness as a part of their life is a challenging and stressful process as it demands changing the idea of identity and completely redefining ones goals. Family members have to reorder their lives and accept the new responsibilities of a caregiver in addition to what is already going on in their lives. 

In this context addressing the feelings, emotions and concerns of the caregivers in a holistic and comprehensive manner is a necessity not just for the sake of their well-being but also to ensure that the patient receives adequate and requisite medical attention and care. Patients and caregivers are taken aback and shocked their diagnoses and are sometimes even unable to process and articulate their questions, doubts and feelings fully. However, the attention paid to these aspects of patients and caregivers is scant and leaves much to be desired. 

At this juncture, a counsellor or mental health professional can be an asset to the patient, caregiver and doctor as they can not only help patients understand, accept and negotiate their illness but also help facilitate adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes warranted by the disease. 

Together with the patient, family and friends need to understand the condition, the treatment, the precautions that need to be taken and how to communicate effectively to address this change in their lives. As a counsellor, I regularly work with the families of patients to understand the physical and emotional changes taking place.

In the current healthcare system, avenues for expressing these feelings and finding meaningful answers are often limited and critically inadequate in addressing the actual, day-to-day impact of the illness. This creates a fertile ground for putting the families of patients at risk for mental health concerns, depression and stress. Thus there is urgent and potent need to provide counselling services. If you or anyone around you is going through this, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Ms. Dinika Anand is a member of our network. Click here to reach out to her or call +91 9911775626.

About the Author

Ms. Dinika Anand is a Counselling Psychologist who specialises in Management and Coping with Chronic Illnesses. She has a Masters in Psychology from University of Delhi and is researching the Lived Experience of Chronic Illness through her Doctoral Research. Her focus area is the lived reality of Multiple Sclerosis for patients and family members. She has several publications and conference presentations on topics ranging from Cognitive Testing to Psychoneuroimmunology. Ms. Dinika has expertise in dealing with cases of Adjustment, Depression, Handling Change and Transitions apart from working closely with patients suffering from various Neurological Chronic Illnesses like Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia.