Difficulty Coping With Chronic Health Conditions

What are chronic health conditions?

Chronic health conditions are long-term health issues that last for at least a year and that may not go away. They often require ongoing care and can significantly impact your everyday life and ability to do things you love. About 50% of adults in the United States live with at least one chronic medical condition.

Being diagnosed with one or more chronic health conditions can change your entire world. It can affect your physical and mental health, your ability to work and carry out daily activities and it can put stress on your relationships. These challenges may lead to more additional distress, which can make coping with an already difficult chronic condition even harder.

The good news is that most chronic illnesses can be effectively managed, and you can live a healthy, productive life. If you’re struggling to cope with your chronic health condition — or care for someone who has one — our behavioral health specialists are here to help you manage any emotional distress and improve your quality of life.

Signs you may have difficulty coping with chronic health conditions

Many chronic health issues seem to develop unexpectedly and can suddenly disrupt your life. Others tax us when management slowly wears on our coping skills. You may feel overwhelmed by painful emotions or worried that you’ll never be able to adapt to your “new reality.”

In addition to chronic disease-specific symptoms, having a serious illness can also lead to additional sources of stress from:

  • Loss of independence
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Changes in your physical appearance
  • Disability
  • Financial burdens
  • Relationship challenges

Stress can build up and affect your mental and emotional health. Here are some additional signs you might be struggling to cope with your condition:

  • Mood disorders, such as anxiety and/or depression
  • Grief
  • Anger or frustration
  • Feeling powerless or hopeless
  • Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Embarrassment or shame
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Body aches, pain and fatigue
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Memory and focus difficulties
  • Feeling numb or in shock

It’s normal to feel angry or upset at times when you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness. If you feel that your ability to cope is getting harder, it’s important to talk to a mental health care provider. They can offer support and guidance to help you regain a sense of control, reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

Causes of difficulty coping with chronic health conditions

The emotional challenges and degree of psychological distress from coping with a chronic health condition can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Personality traits
  • Type and prognosis of your health condition
  • Support network

Types of chronic health conditions

There are many types of chronic health conditions, including:

Who is at risk for difficulties coping with chronic health conditions?

Living with a chronic health condition affects people differently. For example, some people struggle with conditions that others seem to manage more easily, and a condition that is easy for one person to manage can be more challenging for another. There is no one “right” way to handle a chronic illness. Certain risk factors may make it more difficult for someone to cope with a chronic illness.

  • History of mental health conditions: People with other mental health disorders, like anxiety or depression, may find the additional stress of a chronic health condition more challenging to manage
  • Lack of support system: Without a strong network of family or friends, someone may be at risk for struggling with the emotional and everyday aspects of managing their illness
  • Existing medical conditions: Someone who is already dealing with one or more health conditions may find it more difficult to manage additional chronic health issues
  • Lifestyle: Relying on unhealthy coping behaviors, such as substance misuse or avoiding seeking help, may make it harder to cope with your chronic condition

Chronic health condition treatment options

At Main Line Health, your mental health care provider will work with you to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include one or more of the following treatments:

  • Medication
  • Therapy or counseling
  • Joining a support group
  • Practicing self-care
  • Staying connected to loved ones
  • Lifestyle changes to improve everyday life and manage stress

Diagnosis and testing for difficulty coping with chronic health conditions

To determine whether living with a chronic condition is impacting your ability to cope, a mental health specialist will conduct an evaluation through tests that may include:

  • Exam: You'll discuss your medical history, current symptoms and how your condition affects your everyday life with your doctor
  • Psychological assessment: Your provider may conduct a mental health screening to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions that might be impacting your coping capacity

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