The Mental Health Aspects of Chronic Disease

Key Takeaways:

• Anxiety and depression affect millions of people in diverse ways
• Having one or more chronic diseases can lead to anxiety and/or depression
• Depression and anxiety can manifest independently of chronic disease
• You can find more affordable prescriptions to manage your mental health

Those dealing with chronic disease are at greater risk of mental health issues. Learn more about contributing factors and how you can relieve stress.

People tend to connect chronic conditions solely with physical discomfort. This is because it is often obvious when our body needs rest or medical care. Mental, emotional, and psychological suffering can be harder to identify and accept. Problems in those areas can manifest as anxiety and/or depression unless they are treated as seriously as any physical ailment.

Data from Mental Health America (MHA) reveals that almost 50 million Americans are?currently experiencing a mental illness, with nearly 5% suffering severe mental health problems. These illnesses can sometimes be linked to existing chronic conditions. Indeed, chronic pain and physical illness can place you at increased risk of struggling with mental health disorders. This guide will help you learn more about the mental health aspects of chronic disease and physical conditions and how you can better assess and manage them.

The causes and effects of depression

Depression can present in many ways that may be considered “just part of life,” such as feelings of sadness, insomnia, loss of appetite, or weight fluctuations. Any appearance of?depression symptoms?should be taken seriously rather than being dismissed as unavoidable.

This chronic disease has many potential causes, including previous or ongoing abuse or trauma, extended periods of stress, loss of loved ones, or work and relationship problems. Depression is often caused by the stress of managing other chronic health conditions or chronic pain, and in such cases can worsen the symptoms of both. Depression can sometimes lead to new chronic conditions brought on by mental and emotional diseases.

Depression has also been linked to hormonal imbalance and shifts in brain chemistry. Some people may be genetically predisposed to becoming depressed. Stanford Medicine cites heritability as a?probable cause of depression?in 40% to 50% of cases.

The MHA’s 2022?State of Mental Health in America?report illustrates that depression can affect all age groups. About 15% of people aged 12 to 17 reported having “at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year.” Untreated childhood depression is more likely to become chronic if it is not addressed before minors reach adulthood. This can lead to serious physical side effects at both stages of life.

How to treat depression

Depression can be brief, intermittent, or prolonged. There are several ways to mitigate the symptoms of depression and family members or those supporting?loved ones with depression?can make a positive difference. Sunlight and fresh air, time off work, improved nutrition, and regular exercise can all help improve the general well-being of someone suffering with depression, as can some forms of therapy or medication.

It is particularly important to understand how some prescribed drugs can affect the brain and body?before starting an antidepressant?. You may experience a worsening of symptoms or feel nauseous, drowsy, or have difficulty sleeping. Speak to a doctor or mental health professional whenever possible to discuss how you feel mentally and emotionally. They can advise on the best way to treat mental disorders to ensure treatment does not conflict with any chronic medical conditions you may already be managing.

How to recognize anxiety

Anxiety and depression can lead directly to one another. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) highlights how millions of Americans can be affected by the ~ ,~?various forms of anxiety?which include everyday stress and phobias to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder.

The same factors contributing to the likelihood of developing depression apply to developing anxiety. Several anxiety disorders are experienced more by women than men, and only 36.9% of those suffering from this chronic disease receive treatment. Anxiety is also similar to depression in that many people suffering from it are managing another chronic condition, which can worsen the symptoms of each.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), risk factors for anxiety disorders include a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. These may include shyness or nervousness in childhood, exposure to stress or trauma and family history.

You may need medical help if you are experiencing any of the?many symptoms of anxiety?including but not limited to fatigue, concentration issues, physical aches and pains, and unmanageable worry. Anxiety that is panic-based may cause physical symptoms such as a pounding heart and trembling, while socially based anxiety can lead to increased feelings of fear and self-consciousness.

Some ways to manage anxiety

In some cases and for higher risk patients, a doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, or beta blockers to help regulate cardiovascular issues related to anxiety. Other possible treatments are:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?(ACT)?– A talk therapy approach that helps anxiety sufferers to begin positive change by confronting and accepting repressed emotions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?(CBT)?– CBT aims to deconstruct negative and flawed patterns of thoughts and behaviors to create new, healthier coping mechanisms for a less stressful life.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?– This is a non-invasive treatment that uses a magnetic field to create electrical currents in specific areas of the brain. This method aims to relieve the effects of anxiety or depression and is typically used when other treatments have failed or cannot be administered.

Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you are experiencing prolonged feelings of anxiety caused by an existing chronic condition or other factors. This can help you manage its effects and move toward recovery while understanding the potential risks and side effects of treatment.

A doctor or mental health care professional can help develop a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life and wellness, whether this involves talk therapy, attending support groups, medication, lifestyle changes and self-care advice or a combination of approaches.

RxSpark can make mental health more affordable

The MHA’s State of Mental Health in America report revealed that 56% of adults suffering from mental illness are not getting any form of treatment. This may be due to not understanding how serious the mental health aspects of chronic disease can be. Some people may also be embarrassed to seek care or are financially unable to meet the cost of medication.

RxSpark is here to help if you are finding it hard to meet your pharmacy expenses. We assist our members in finding the most affordable prescription medication prices at locations nearest to them. Joining RxSpark could mean receiving up to an 80% discount on your current prescription prices while gaining reward points when you or someone you refer uses RxSpark to fill their prescription. Open a?free account?with us today to learn more.

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