adminDr Mazvita Machinga Mental Health
ALL of us have at one time experienced our relatives, friends or ourselves suffering from chronic illnesses. Every week, I meet individuals with chronic physical conditions experiencing deep emotions which increase their risk of developing a mental health disorders particularly anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
The stress of having a chronic medical condition may potentially influence one’s well being.
Chronic diseases and anxiety can be independent but also interconnected. Mental health is as critical to good health as is physical and spiritual health .
The comorbid relationship between chronic diseases and mental health disorders is undisputed and a well researched area , thus, this article emphasizes the importance of having psychological needs be met when is suffering from a chronic disease.
According to Centre for disease control and prevention in USA, it is important to know that while people suffer from chronic physical illness, minds are also affected in various ways.
Chronic illnesses can be major drivers of mental health problems and vice versa. Scores of individuals with chronic disease have depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Thousands of people in Zimbabwe suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, HIV and Aids. Such chronic illnesses may have negative effects on mental health status of patients and vice versa.
Mental health problems and chronic diseases are closely related and the presence of one can affect the other.
It is however pitiful that mental health problems occurring with a physical illness are often overlooked and not addressed.
If holistic patient care is to be given, both physical problems and mental health problems need to be attended to. Not attending to mental health issues of individuals suffering from chronic illnesses compromises human wellness and healing.
To all those with chronic illnesses, be sure you’re getting care for your mind and emotions, too. If you overlook mental health problems symptoms such as acute stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks and depression can intensify.
On the other hand mental health disorders can themselves worsen chronic diseases. It is important that chronically ill patients receive psychological assessment, intervention and consultation so that their condition is holistically addressed. Having a chronic illness means that you have to care for self and have coping skills that assist decrease the impact of the diseases and promote well being.
Psychotherapy does a good job in equipping patients with positive coping skills in the face of chronic illness. Poor mental health status may adversely influence patients’ adherence behavior and healing. In the absence of psychotherapy, patients may feel hopeless.
What can you know about chronic illness and mental health
Chronic diseases and mental health problems are closely related. Chronic diseases can exacerbate symptoms of mental health problems, and mental health disorders can themselves lead to chronic diseases so it is important that psychological care be part of your treatment
Early detection and addressing of comorbid mental health issues to those having chronic illness enhances recovery and healing.
With psycho-education, social support , spiritual support and medical treatment chronically ill individuals can take charge of their health. Have your mental health attended to as well as your physical health.
Worrying excessively about the disease can cause Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) which needs psychotherapy.
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and fear can interfere with one’s ability to function causing depressive disorders ,thus, getting some psychotherapy helps one cope well.
Dr. Mazvita Machinga Ph.D. is a trained and qualified Psychotherapist in Mutare who offers professional counseling and psychotherapy. For more information contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, or call 0771 754 519.
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