What are Chronic Illnesses?
Chronic illnesses encompass a broad range of conditions. These may include autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, sickle cell disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lupus. They could be neurological disorders like cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida, multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson’s disease. Or, they could be respiratory disorders like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis (CF). Or they could even be some types of cancer (CA).
While this list is not exhaustive, these and other illnesses are characterized as chronic by their long-lasting nature that requires ongoing management and treatment. Mental health conditions can be chronic as well–schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and even depression. While there is a persistent depressive disorder (PDD), major depressive disorder (MDD) can also have a chronic pattern of symptoms where individuals may experience recurrent episodes throughout their lives.
The Link Between Chronic Illness and Depression
Research has shown a bidirectional relationship between chronic illness and depression. This means that having a chronic disease can increase your risk of developing depression. But also, depression can increase your risk of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis.
There are several reasons why chronic conditions increase your risk of depression:
You’re Dealing with Physical Symptoms
Dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms can be exhausting and distressing. It’s a drain on you physically and mentally, contributing to feelings of despair and helplessness (common symptoms and feelings when depressed).
You May Have Functional Impairments
Chronic illnesses can restrict your ability to participate in activities you enjoy or want to experience. They can also limit your ability to work or maintain social connections. You can experience feelings of isolation, self-pity, and a loss of identity.
There’s Always a Psychological Impact
Whether or not you’re aware of it, there’s always a psychological impact and emotional toll of living with a chronic illness. It could be a fear of the future, uncertainty about the prognosis, scan or medical test anxiety, frustration with treatment outcomes, and the list goes on. These can all feed into a depressive episode or exacerbate symptoms of depression.
There Can be Biological Factors
Some chronic illnesses, particularly those involving inflammation (most autoimmune disorders) or disruption in neurotransmitter function (many neurological disorders), may directly or indirectly affect your brain’s chemistry and increase susceptibility to depression.
Depression is Treatable
Unfortunately, depression and chronic illnesses have a strong bidirectional relationship. However, just because depression is a common complication of having a chronic disease doesn’t mean you have to live with it. And the same goes for having depression first–it doesn’t have to lead to other chronic conditions. Follow these steps to help easily identify and seek treatment for depression quickly:
1. Chronic Illnesses
● More fatigue or loss of energy than expected
● More changes in appetite or weight than expected
● More sleep disturbances or more trouble falling asleep than expected
● A loss of interest or enjoyment in activities you used to prefer
● More difficulty concentrating or making decisions than expected
● Persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness
● Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
● Thinking about dying or suicide
2. Seek Help and Support
If you’re worried that you or someone you know is experiencing a depressive episode in the context of a chronic illness, seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide assessments, support, and individualized treatment options.
It can also help to connect with others who share similar experiences. They can offer invaluable support and validation. Support groups, online communities, and peer-led organizations dedicated to your specific chronic illnesses can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. If your illness is hereditary, speaking to family members who deal with the same problems can also help your understanding of your illness.
3. Work with Your Medical Team for an Individualized Treatment Plan
Treating depression with a chronic illness requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the physical and emotional aspects of your health that will benefit both diagnoses. This can involve:
● Medical Treatment: You will need to work with your providers to manage symptoms of both illnesses’ symptoms, which could include medication, counseling or therapy, or other evidence-based interventions like acupuncture or transcranial magnetic stimulation.
● Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that take into consideration your chronic illness can be beneficial. For example, you may not be able to do a traditional cardio workout three times a week, but you might be able to do modified chair workouts for strength and swimming for your cardio fitness. Eating a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing stress management techniques will support your overall well-being.
● Self-Care Practices: Focusing on self-care activities that promote relaxation, enjoyment, and self-compassion. These could be anything from mindfulness meditation, creative expression in music, art, or dance, to spending time in nature (check out a practice called forest bathing).
Remember to continue seeking support through your healthcare team, but also through your personal relationships. Cultivate a supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals who can offer encouragement, empathy, and practical assistance when needed. It will go a long way.
The intersection of chronic illnesses and depression is an often overlooked aspect of health. Raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for accessible mental health resources to all individuals living with chronic health conditions. Mental health care is health care and vital for maintaining quality of life.