Mental health: it’s a discussion that our modern world is slowly beginning to embrace. Although there are many factors that can impact a person’s emotional balance, the interplay between mental health and autoimmune disease is a topic that should not be dismissed.
Mental health challenges are a common experience among people with autoimmune disease and other chronic illnesses. In 2013, a group of Danish researchers concluded that participants of their study were 45% more likely to develop anxiety or depression if they had an autoimmune disease.
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL
It is a common belief among patients that mental health is not given enough attention when treating autoimmune diseases. Coping with the emotional and psychological aspects of illness can be a solitary experience, making one feel isolated. People with chronic illnesses often struggle with unprocessed emotions such as worry, grief, fear, or anger. Furthermore, they may also face feelings of shame or disconnection due to their condition.
- Constant anxiety and dread over changes in health, exacerbations, or deteriorating conditions.
- In addition to physical symptoms, autoimmune diseases can also impact mental health and increase the risk of developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
- Prolonged inflammation and persistent physical discomfort can have detrimental effects. Those who suffer from chronic pain are four times as likely to also experience symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to those without pain.
- Autoimmune diseases can bring about chemical and hormonal changes in the body. Spending excessive time researching one’s own illness can lead to cognitive exhaustion.
- Exhausted by countless unproductive doctor appointments. As someone with an invisible illness, receiving normal test results can be disheartening. It often feels like I have to constantly struggle to convince my doctors of my symptoms and experiences.
What you can do:
- Find someone who will listen and understand your experiences. This could be a close friend, family member, doctor, or therapist. If possible and desired, it may be beneficial to seek out a therapist trained in helping those with chronic illnesses.
- Join a support group. These groups can provide a safe and welcoming environment to share experiences, create connections, and receive support from others who understand your journey. Not sure where to start? Reach out to organizations that specialize in your condition. Additionally, you could become a part of The Global Autoimmune Institute’s Autoimmune Aware Support Group community, which holds monthly meetings open to all through virtual sessions.
- Don’t try to do it all at once.
In order to avoid mental exhaustion, it is important to establish limits. When researching your condition, set a designated amount of time that you will not go over. You can also ask for assistance from friends and family by assigning them certain topics to research for you.
- It’s important to remember that facing mental health challenges is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it takes a lot of bravery and self-care to ask for support. It’s also important to recognize that the journey towards acceptance and healing is not a straight line. Be gentle with yourself and know that your difficult days do not define you.
- Focus a few moments each day to gratitude and mindfulness. Take a few minutes out of every day to pause and focus on your breathing. Shut your eyes, tune in to your body, and acknowledge any sensations or emotions that arise during these moments. You may want to keep a diary to record specific details or reflections about your day, or simply list things you are thankful for.
SOCIAL IMPACT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
Developing an autoimmune disease or other chronic condition can bring significant changes to one’s life. The challenges of managing fluctuating symptoms, varying energy levels, and overall needs may lead to feelings of being a burden to those around them. Furthermore, social opportunities may become limited due to these health changes, which can be a challenging adjustment. Other challenges can include:
- Being isolated because of limited physical abilities, low levels of energy, or frequent hospital stays.
- Avoiding social interactions to prevent judgment or having to explain one’s illness. Feeling anxious about discussing the illness and expressing needs for accessibility or dietary restrictions.
- Withdrawing from others due to exhaustion from hearing hurtful comments or unwanted advice about the illness.
What you can do:
- Do your best to avoid isolating yourself. Make a list of activities that make you feel comfortable and are achievable for you. Ask your friends, family, or people in your household to help come up with ideas. On days when your illness is particularly challenging, remember that you can still connect with others without needing to be physically present. Consider using a video calling app to stay in touch with loved ones. Simple activities like watching a movie together on Facetime or Skype can provide immense comfort.
- If you struggle with feeling like you are a burden, have an open conversation with your friends and loved ones about it. Talking honestly about your illness can be a huge relief and lead to stronger communication and trust between you.
- When facing social situations, think ahead about what information you feel comfortable sharing about your illness, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, etc. You may even want to write a brief script explaining your condition so that you can feel confident and direct when discussing it.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that managing a chronic illness and maintaining mental well-being can involve various approaches. If one method is not effective for you, it does not mean that you have failed. There is no set guide on how to navigate life with a chronic illness, but there is value in small victories. Utilizing your support network, communicating openly with your healthcare team, and practicing self-care are all indicators of your strength and resilience in moving forward.
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A New Tomorrow Therapy 