Depression and chronic illness
no longer finding pleasure in the things you used to? Are you feeling down? Are you irritable? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having difficulty concentrating? Do you feel a sense of hopelessness? Do you seem to be without feelings or emotion? Are you fatigued? Do you have repeated thoughts of death or suicide? These are some common symptoms of depression.
Depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness. Chronic illness is any disease that lasts for months, years, or a lifetime. Examples of chronic neurological disorders are Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Stroke. It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition experience symptoms of depression.
People diagnosed with chronic illnesses must adjust to the demands of the illness as well as to its treatment. The illness may affect a person’s mobility and independence, and change the way a person lives. It may affect how they relate to others. These changes can be stressful and cause a certain amount of despair or sadness— that is normal.
In some cases, having a chronic illness can trigger clinically significant depression, which is potentially serious but treatable. Any chronic condition can trigger depression, but the risk increases with the severity of the illness and the amount of disruption it causes in one’s life. A vicious cycle can develop. Depression caused by chronic illness can aggravate the illness. Depression is especially likely to occur when the illness is associated with pain, disability, or social isolation. Depression can intensify pain, fatigue, and the self-doubt that can lead to avoidance of others.
It is essential that you talk with your health care provider about your symptoms. Depression can be treated. Those with a chronic medical condition who get treatment for co-existing depression often experience an improvement in their overall medical condition, achieve a better quality of life, and find it easier to follow through with their treatment plan. There are several types of medications that can help treat depression. Your health care provider will work with you to select the best one for you and to make sure that it won’t interact with other medications that you may be taking.
Psychotherapy can also be effective in treating depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you to identify and change thought patterns that can contribute to depression. There are other strategies that are helpful in coping with depression. Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Take vitamins and supplements as recommended by your health care provider.
Biofeedback and massage therapy can be helpful. Relaxation therapies, such as yoga, meditation, and art and music therapies can also be beneficial. Talking with others in support groups who are facing challenges similar to yours can be helpful.