What are chronic health conditions?
Chronic health conditions affect you for many months, often years. Some of the most common chronic health problems last a lifetime. They include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Liver disease
- Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Autoimmune diseases
Some conditions are potentially life-threatening. You could be aware that you have a limited life expectancy or that you might suffer a crisis like a heart attack.
What problems do chronic health conditions cause?
Chronic health conditions cause problems like:
Chronic pain
Pain is frequently a problem with chronic health conditions. Some diseases, like certain cancers, cause particularly severe pain. Others, like arthritis and fibromyalgia, cause pain that’s always present and sometimes flares up to an excruciating level.
Chronic pain can be hard to manage. Some people use strong opioid painkillers, which can lead to prescription medication misuse and addiction.
Disabilities
Chronic health conditions often cause disabilities. You might have mobility problems because of multiple sclerosis (MS). Painful ulcers on your lower legs from advanced diabetes can lead to amputation.
Less obvious disabilities also affect people. If you have ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease or IBD), you might experience fecal incontinence. Being unsure whether you can get to the bathroom in time might make you avoid social activities.
Given these and the many other problems people with chronic health conditions face, it’s not surprising that depression is common along with anxiety. It is needed to have a safe environment to share your thoughts, frustrations, and concerns and most importantly not feel judged or alone.
Having a psychiatric disorder on top of a physical health condition makes life twice as hard. It can also cause chronic pain to get worse.
What help is available for chronic health conditions?
Your medical team treats and monitors your chronic health condition to keep you physically well. But it’s vital to address any mental health problems that arise.
Dr. Vansiea understands how long-term medical disorders affect mental health. She offers support, clinical recommendations, and talk therapy that help you cope with your illness and improve your psychological well-being.
With Dr. Vansiea’s assistance, you can learn techniques to manage pain. She helps you gain insight and awareness of your health challenges. She also helps you gain hope in existing and coexisting with health limitations so that you continue to have a purposeful quality of life. Dr. Vansiea also uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy along with other talk therapies that help you manage life’s challenges and make referrals as necessary too.
If you develop a substance abuse disorder because of your chronic health condition, Dr. Vansiea provides addiction treatments. She also helps you benefit from other sources of support, like your spiritual beliefs.
Call Coping Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry Service today or book an appointment online if you feel low or despairing because of a chronic health condition.
