Biopsychosocial Aspe Chronic Illness H
aving a chronic medical diagnosis, can be extremely challenging. Along with those challenges, caregivers and those managing the diagnosis often face periods of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Because of this fact, taking care of your mental health becomes as essential, as taking care of your physical health. Mental health encompasses many things including emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Your mental health will affect how you handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health may have a biological factor or be caused by life experiences including trauma and abuse. As we explore the literature surrounding chronic conditions and mental health, namely depression and anxiety, we see a substantial cause and effect scenario. Some research suggests that due to constant issues with managing pain, the cost, as well as the stress and worry of managing the condition causes mental health complications. Other research asserts that there is an increased likelihood for a chronic condition to develop and manifest, if a person is diagnosed with mental health concerns as a result of not taking care of one’s medical needs including non-compliance with medication, attending doctor’s appointments and following medical recommendations. Living with a chronic condition can become all consuming. Taking the time to manage multiple appointments, infusion regimens (often including their own, their children or loved ones), managing the pain and subsequent doctor’s appointments involves many hours of planning and juggling. Because of this fact, paying attention to the signs of depression and anxiety often take a back burner to day-to-day responsibilities, leaving some undiagnosed and most definitely untreated.
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LIFELINES for HEALTH
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Fall/Winter 2019