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Mental Health in Chronic Illness

Posted By : Administrator Monday 10 Oct, 2016
Mental Health in Chronic Illness


Written by Dinika Anand

A chronic health condition has an effect on the sufferer for months or years. Living with one is a daily challenge. Every aspect of life is affected, from food habits, sleep schedules, planning the day around medication to professional and personal goals. Apart from that, a chronic health condition forces people to alter their identity and adopt the role of a patient, which often gnaws at their sense of self. Patients tend to lose confidence and become despondent and miserable at the prospect of living with such a condition. They start thinking of themselves as ‘diseased’, ‘inferior’ and not normal’. It is common to ask the question ‘Why me?’ and feel cheated and distressed about the lack of definitive answers. 

These labels often emanate out of negative experiences due to disease symptoms, drug side effects, societal attitudes and stigma. The feelings of inferiority create a cycle of negative emotions, and poorer mental and psychological health. The interaction of disease and negative attitudes negatively impacts the response to medication and also hampers recovery in certain cases. Patients can get caught in a warp of negative emotions, poor emotional well-being and poor physical health, which puts them at further risk for illness and disease.

The emotional, psychological and mental health burden of chronic illnesses is a significant concern today for the thorough, all-round and complete care of patients. In this scenario, the services of mental health professionals are necessary to help patients express their feelings and find meaningful answers to their questions and concerns. Addressing the fears, doubts and questions that arise in the mind of patients and providing a neutral, non-judgmental environment for expressing feelings for patients is thus crucial and imperative for 360° management of the illness. 

In essence, counsellors can help patients understand and make meaning of their life in the context of the illness, to not feel overwhelmed by the condition and maintain a positive outlook towards life despite the illness. A trained counsellor or psychotherapist in this scenario creates a space that allows patients to effectively negotiate their identity in the face of their illness and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.  

Understandably, the limitations and restrictions posed by the disease feel overwhelming and overpowering more so when they put a stop on cherished activities and goals. However, the key to living a happy, fulfilling life despite the diagnosis lies in:

a) The illness is not you. It’s just one part of your life

b) There is no point asking why. It’s here, it’s going to stay and it’s going to be ok

c) Speak out—you are worthy of being heard

d) Surround yourself with the best people. Have a network of supportive friends, family and peers

e) Seek help. There is no shame in needing a hand, whether to lift a bag or to process your feelings

f) Love yourself. Good day or bad day, don’t blame yourself for it!

In our current healthcare system, the impact of these adjustments and changes is often not addressed. Patients and doctors meet in a context where the focus is on physical symptom and their alleviation alone and thus there is greater incidence and prevalence of mental health concerns in patients of chronic illness. As a psychologist, I provide counselling to patients on a regular basis. If you feel you or someone around you needs help, get in touch with me. 

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.