Impact of chronic physical illness on mental wellbeing

AS discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Chronic physical health challenges such as diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disorders, HIV, hypertension, renal failure, chronic pain and heart disease can affect one’s mental wellbeing.

Improved mental health can help to improve physical health outcomes.

How do chronic illnesses affect mental health and wellbeing?

The challenges of living with a chronic physical health condition that can affect one’s mental health include:

1. The mental burden of having to take medication daily or several times a day that can lead to ‘treatment fatigue’ and poor adherence.

2. Distress from long-term side effects.

3. Frustration and discouragement from repeated hospitalisations or poor response to treatment.

4. Frustration from reduced physical functionality and the impact of that on independence and autonomy.

5. Anxiety and worry about one’s physical health.

6. Stress from the financial implications of a chronic illness.

7. Trauma from receiving the initial diagnosis of a chronic physical illness or subsequent reports on one’s condition.

8. Hormonal and neurochemical imbalances resulting from the physical illness that can affect mood, energy, motivation and other mental wellbeing factors.

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How do mental health conditions influence physical wellbeing?

Depression: can affect motivation and drive, making it difficult to stay positive about one’s treatment and recovery from a chronic physical illness. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness also interfere with motivation and drive to remain well.

◆ Anxiety: can exacerbate the worries about one’s physical wellbeing and can cause multiple physical health symptoms that can make it difficult to deal with a chronic physical illness

Trauma related conditions: may result in distressing flashbacks, nightmares and a sense of hyper-vigilance that can make it difficult to cope with chronic health issues Self-medication with alcohol or other substances can eventually cause poor physical health outcomes

I have a chronic physical illness. How can I maintain my mental wellbeing?

1. Acknowledge your emotional distress and be open and vulnerable about these challenges to someone you trust.

2. Watch your self-talk.

3. Learn adaptive, healthy ways of dealing with stress.

4. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat well, remain as physically active as possible. Ensure pain is appropriately managed.

5. Build your social support network, join a peer support group if possible to minimise social isolation.

6. Reach out to a mental health professional if needed.

If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem linked to a physical health problem that you have, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help. Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, Consultant Psychiatrist. Feedback: (Dr. Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse +263777727332) (www.ahfoz.org; ahfoz@ahfoz.co.zw)