One of the most common complications that goes along with a chronic illness is the tendency to suffer from depression simultaneously. When someone has a chronic illness, they are dealing with sickness and pain that lasts a long time and often cannot be fully cured. This kind of physical discomfort that goes along with chronic illness can cause sufferers to become depressed.
Examples of chronic illnesses include problems like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, HIV and multiple sclerosis. People suffering from these kinds of illnesses are coping with multiple physical symptoms every day that can interfere with their lives. It is estimated that up to one third of people with a chronic illness are also dealing with symptoms of depression.
When someone develops a chronic illness they are suddenly dealing with intense life changes that can limit their functioning, mobility and independence. It can make it difficult for the sufferer to do the things they used to enjoy and they may have to adjust their lifestyle because of their illness. The inability to continue their lives as they used to can cause people to feel hopeless and depressed because of their illness.
People with both chronic illness and depression can start to isolate themselves or become less motivated to try to manage their issues. It is important for people with these two problems to get help for both in any way that they can. For many chronic illnesses, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as well as medication can help them manage their symptoms and minimize the impact on their lives.
Getting treatment for mental health issues can help decrease the pain that a person with a chronic illness experiences on a daily basis. Managing depression and chronic illness can be challenging but working on both can be beneficial for overall health and well-being.