The Hidden Battle; Navigating Mental Health with Chronic Illness

By: Destiny Proulx- Kier, MSW Intern

Created: February 5, 2025

Published: February 17, 2025

Imagine waking up one day to a diagnosis that may never go away.

Or perhaps you were born with a condition that, no matter what you do, will always be a part of your life. Suddenly every plan and expectation you had for your future is shadowed by uncertainty. A chronic illness is defined as a condition that lasts at least one year and requires ongoing medical attention, often limiting daily activities. Some common chronic illnesses include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain conditions.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2024), individuals with chronic illnesses have a higher risk of developing depression. This connection can stem from various factors, including stress, anxiety, brain changes, medication side effects, and the general emotional toll of managing a chronic condition. Research suggests that “people who have a chronic disease and depression tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses.” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024)  Cleveland Clinic (2021) highlights that unlike acute illnesses, such as the flu or bronchitis, where recovery can be expected shortly, chronic illnesses persist and affect all aspects of one's life.

Diagnosing a mental health condition in those with chronic illnesses can be challenging. Symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite often overlap between physical conditions and mental health. There are also several other aspects such as certain medications, such as steroids, which can impact mood, making it even more difficult to distinguish between the effects of the illness and mental health conditions. A study published in The Western Journal of Medicine emphasizes the importance of identifying and treating depression in individuals with chronic conditions, “Even mild depression may reduce a person's motivation to gain access to medical care and to follow treatment plans. Depression and hopelessness also undermine the patient's ability to cope with pain and may exert a corrosive effect on family relationships.” (Turner & Kelly, 2000)

Depression is one of the most common comorbidities associated with chronic medical conditions. Yet the incidence of depression varies depending on the condition. RTI Health Advance (2022) lists the comorbidities of several chronic diseases and depression, ranging from 11% of those living with Alzheimer's disease, to 50% of those with Parkinson's disease.

Living with a chronic illness can feel isolated, but you are not alone. Seeking therapy, joining support groups, practicing mindfulness, and developing a strong support system can help manage both physical and emotional health. Recognizing the connection between mental health and chronic illness is the first step in improving overall well-being. Navigating life with a chronic condition is undeniably challenging, but with the right support and care, it is possible to find hope and balance amidst the struggle.

Your battle is real, but so is your resilience.

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References

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Understanding the link between chronic disease and depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health

Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Chronic illness: Sources of stress, how to cope. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4062-chronic-illness

Turner, J., & Kelly, B. (2000). Emotional dimensions of chronic disease. The Western journal of medicine, 172(2), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.1136/ewjm.172.2.124

RTI Health Advance. (2022, August 9). The cascading effect of comorbidities: Addressing chronic medical disease alongside mental health. RTI Health Advance. https://healthcare.rti.org/insights/mental-health-and-chronic-disease-comorbidities

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