The Invisible Burden: How Chronic Illness Impacts Mental Health
The Invisible Burden: How Chronic Illness Impacts Mental Health
Carrying the burden of a chronic condition can feel more demanding than a full-time job. You can’t ask your lupus, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to take a day off.
Managing symptoms, adhering to treatment plans, navigating the healthcare system, and fighting the good fight is an everyday commitment with no respite. While these physical challenges maybe exhausting, the mental health impacts are equally significant.
Written by: Ariel Fulmer, Practicum
The Link Between Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Researchers have found that individuals with chronic illnesses face a much higher risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma. For example:
Adults experiencing chronic pain are five times more likely to report anxiety or depression (Rosa, 2023).
A study found that 68.7% of patients with chronic illnesses experienced stress, 51.1% experienced anxiety, and 58.8% experienced depression (Swathi, 2023).
The illness itself may not be the only culprit. A range of factors adds to the emotional toll:
Isolation: Feeling left out of activities or unable to connect with others due to your condition.
Dismissal by healthcare providers: Facing disbelief or stigma about your symptoms.
Hypervigilance and fear of flares: Constantly bracing for the next symptom or setback.
Stigma and financial strain: Battling judgment and the stress of managing medical bills.
These stressors can exacerbate both physical symptoms and mental health struggles, creating a vicious cycle that feels impossible to escape.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers tools and strategies to address the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies chronic illness. Here’s how it can help:
Building a Support Network: Therapy can help you identify and strengthen relationships with people who understand and support your journey.
Self-Compassion Practices: Learn to be kinder to yourself and challenge the guilt or shame you might feel about your limitations.
Coping Skills: Therapists can teach mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.
Validation and Venting: Therapy provides a safe space to share your experiences and feel heard by someone who truly listens.
Navigating Healthcare: Therapists can help you advocate for yourself with medical providers and explore ways to reduce healthcare-related stress.
Challenging Negative Beliefs: Address feelings of hopelessness or defeat by reframing negative thoughts and focusing on your strengths.
Steps You Can Take to Improve Quality of Life
In addition to therapy, there are steps you can take on your own to improve your well-being:
Practice Gratitude: Focus on the small wins and positive moments to shift your perspective.
Stay Physically Active (Within Your Limits): Gentle exercise, like yoga or walking, can improve mood and energy levels.
Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation.
Educate Yourself: Understanding your condition can empower you to make informed decisions and advocate for your needs.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain you.
Ariel Fulmer, Practicum
I understand that every journey with chronic illness is unique. That’s why I prioritize creating a collaborative and compassionate space where we can tailor strategies to your specific needs. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and supported while equipping you with tools to navigate the complexities of chronic illness and mental health.
My Work as a Clinician and Coach
As a therapist and health coach with experience working with individuals managing chronic illnesses, I have seen firsthand how transformative therapy can be. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients regain control over their mental health by integrating evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care.
For example, I recently worked with a client diagnosed with fibromyalgia who felt trapped in a cycle of pain, exhaustion, and depression. Together, we developed practical strategies to manage her pain, set boundaries with her workload, and find small, meaningful ways to reconnect with her passions. Over time, she reported feeling more hopeful, empowered, and capable of managing her condition.
You’re Not Alone
The invisible burden of chronic illness is not something anyone should have to carry alone. Therapy, along with small, intentional changes, can help lighten the load and improve your quality of life. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s work together to create a plan that honors your resilience and supports your well-being.
Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you on your journey to mental and physical health. Schedule a consultation with me today!
References
Rosa. (2023, September 21). Study shows millions of people live with co-occuring chronic pain and mental health symptoms. The University of Arizona Health Sciences. https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/study-shows-millions-people-live-co-occuring-chronic-pain-and-mental-health-symptoms#:~:text=Adults%20with%20chronic%20pain%20were,with%20those%20without%20chronic%20pain.
Swathi (2023, August 16). Prevalence and correlates of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic diseases: A cross-sectional study - middle east current psychiatry. SpringerOpen. https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-023-00340-2#citeas
Ariel Fulmer is an intern completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kentucky. She has three years of experience as a certified health and wellness coach, working directly with clients managing chronic illnesses to achieve their physical, mental, and emotional wellness goals. Ariel utilizes motivational interviewing and solution-focused approaches to support her clients in making meaningful progress.
