More than
half of all American adults
have at least one
chronic health condition
such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lung or kidney disease, or a
chronic mental illness such as depression. A chronic condition lasts for
more than a year and requires ongoing medical care. It may also limit your
daily activities.
If you have a chronic health condition, it can be comforting to know that
many other people do, too. But living with a chronic health condition can take a physical,
psychological, and emotional toll on your health, especially if you have
multiple chronic health conditions.
The Physical Health/Mental Health Connection
Having a chronic health condition is a
risk factor
for anxiety and depression. In fact, 51 percent of people living with
Parkinson’s disease, 42 percent of people diagnosed with cancer, and 27
percent of people with diabetes have depression. Nearly
one in five people who have had a heart attack or heart disease
also have depression. Chronic health conditions can affect your attitude,
mood, and sense of certainty about the future. They can also make you doubt
what you’re capable of physically.
When people feel limited in their ability to participate in social or
recreational activities, they often become reclusive, lonely, or hopeless.
They might develop poor eating or sleeping habits, which worsens their
health. It’s common for people to focus so much on their physical condition
that they don’t get the mental health support they need.
“Chronic health conditions and mental health diagnoses often go hand in
hand,” says Dr. Luz Ramos, Medical Care Director for Clinical Care
Transformation at Independence Blue Cross. “When someone is dealing with
these challenges, their low mental and physical states can create a negative
cycle, making it harder to take care of their health.”
Overcoming Chronic Health Challenge
Living with a chronic health condition can be difficult, but you don’t have
to face it alone. Most chronic health conditions, whether physical or
mental, can be managed.
“Sometimes, the biggest challenge people face is knowing where to start and
who to reach out to,” says Dr. Ramos. “The best place to start is with a
primary care provider who can look at your chronic conditions and mental
health hand in hand. They can send you to specialists for any follow-ups
needed, and help you navigate through the complex health care system – both
for physical and mental health needs.”
There are other ways people living with chronic health conditions can
improve their well-being. The
National Institute of Mental Health
suggests the following:
• Exercise regularly. Being active doesn’t have to mean
training for a marathon or lifting heavy weights. Thirty minutes of walking
every day can boost your mood and health.• Eat a balanced diet. Good food choices can improve energy,
mood, and health outcomes.• Get enough sleep. Sticking to a
regular sleep schedule
and getting enough rest is important for your mental, physical, and
emotional health. When you’re well-rested, you can take better care of
yourself.• Practice gratitude. Reminding yourself daily about
the things you are grateful for
can have positive effects on your mental health.• Stay connected. Spending time with loved ones who provide
emotional and practical support can improve your well-being.
Many hospitals and patient organizations also offer online or in-person
support groups where people with the same health condition can share their
experiences and find helpful resources as well as a sense of community. For
some, it can also be meaningful and empowering to participate in fundraising
walks, research advocacy, or other activities that support those affected by
the condition.
“While living with chronic health conditions can be challenging, it’s
important to understand that health and medical care should always focus on
the whole person,” says Dr. Ramos. “Physical and mental health are
connected, and by taking care of one, you can take care of the other.”
For resources on chronic health conditions, visit:
• Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania
• American Cancer Society
• American Diabetes Association
• American Heart Association
• American Lung Association
• American Parkinson Disease Association – Pennsylvania
• National Kidney Foundation
For more information about mental health, self-care strategies, and where to
find help, visit
ibx.com/knowyourmind.
This content was originally published on IBX Insights.