Are you depressed due to a long-term illness? (Chronic Illness and Depression)

Sometimes the illnesses we get don't get better in a day or two. They stay with us for months, maybe even years. Living with a long-term illness like this is not as easy as you might think. As well as the physical pain, the mind also feels a great burden and pressure. Many people don't like to talk about this mental stress, because they think it's a weakness. But it's really not like that. That's the physical and mental connection, that is, the depression that comes with a long-term illness, that we're going to talk about today.

First, let's see, what is this long-term illness?

Simply put, a chronic condition is one that lasts for a very long time, sometimes even a lifetime. Although these cannot be completely cured, they can be well controlled and lead a normal life with lifestyle changes (good diet, exercise) and proper medical treatment.

Here are some examples:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Arthritis
• Kidney Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis

Our lives have changed a lot since the day the doctor told us we had this disease. We have to take medicine every day, we have to control our diet, and we have to go see the doctor regularly. It's normal to feel very tired with all of this.

What is the relationship between chronic illness and depression?

There is a bigger connection between the two than you might think. In fact, depression is one of the most common complications of long-term illness. Research has found that about one-third (1/3) of people with serious illness experience symptoms of depression.

Imagine, you can't go out and play with your friends like you used to, you can't eat the food you used to love, you have trouble going to work, you have trouble climbing stairs. These things limit your freedom and independence. When you can't do the things you used to be able to do, your self-confidence decreases. Your hopes for the future gradually disappear. So it's no wonder that you feel sad and disappointed with a situation like this, right?

Sometimes, depression can occur due to the physical effects of the illness itself (e.g., chronic pain, fatigue) or as a side effect of certain medications used.

Conditions that increase the risk of depression

Although depression can occur with any chronic illness, the risk increases with the severity of the illness and its impact on life. On average, someone with a chronic illness has a 25-33% risk of developing depression. This is much higher than the average healthy person.

The table below shows the percentages of depression reported with various medical conditions.

How to recognize the symptoms of depression?

The biggest problem here is that both the patient and the family tend to ignore the symptoms of depression. Everyone thinks, "It's normal to feel sad when you're sick." Also, because the symptoms of depression (e.g., fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite) are similar to the symptoms of a physical illness, it can be difficult to diagnose them as depression. This can lead to the physical illness being treated and the underlying depression not being treated. Therefore, it is important to treat both conditions at the same time.

Symptoms to watch out for

• A persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or anxiety.
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Fatigue, lack of energy.
• Change in sleep pattern (sleeping too much or not sleeping enough).
• Changes in appetite (loss of appetite or overeating).
• Feeling like crying, frequent anger.
• Difficulty making decisions, inability to concentrate.
• Feeling useless and a burden to others.

If you or someone in your family has these symptoms, never be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.

How to treat it? There's nothing to worry about!

Treating depression in someone with a chronic illness is the same as treating anyone else. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce stress and improve your quality of life. Surprisingly, treating depression can also help you manage your physical illness.

• Talking to your doctor: The first step is to talk to your doctor about this. If your depression is a side effect of a medication, your doctor may be able to change the medication or adjust the dosage.
• Treatment: Depression, if it is a separate problem, can be treated. More than 80% of people with depression recover successfully with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
• Professional help: Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or counselor. They can help you find the right treatment for you.

Some tips for staying mentally strong when living with a chronic illness

Living with a chronic illness is a challenge. It's normal to feel sad about it. But if those feelings persist and interfere with your daily activities, definitely seek help. These things can help keep you strong.

• Don't be alone: ​​When we are sick, we often don't want to be a problem for anyone. But suffering alone will only make things worse. Talk to family and trusted friends about your feelings. Ask your doctor about support groups that can help you.
• Be informed about your condition: Learn as much as you can about your condition. Knowledge is power. It can help you better understand your treatment and help you feel in control of your decisions.
• Get trusted medical support: It is very important to have the support of a doctor you trust, who you can talk to openly about anything.
• Manage pain: If you have ongoing pain, it can be a major cause for depression. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage pain.
• Keep doing things you enjoy: As long as your physical condition allows, continue doing things you used to enjoy. This will make you feel happy and confident.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you feel like you're depressed, don't hesitate to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness, it's something that makes you strong and self-reliant.

Chronic illness, depression, mental health, diabetes, heart disease