Health Issues & Chronic Pain
Living with illness and chronic pain can significantly impact our psychological wellbeing. Psychologists are increasingly involved in helping manage symptoms associated with these conditions given the growing evidence showing the relationship between the physical and psychological.
Chronic illness refers to a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders, which may have profound impact on daily life. Chronic pain refers to pain persisting longer than expected for normal healing, typically 3 months, and the pain may be constant or repeatedly flares up.
Beyond the physical symptoms, these conditions can lead to depression, anxiety, and worry. They may limit our capacity and energy for daily tasks, requiring more planning and effort. When so much time and energy is taken up by living with pain or illness it can impact our relationships and careers. It can also leave us feeling disconnected and alone in our experience.
Also, if living with an illness limits our caregiving, hobbies, or work then this may change how we see ourselves. Sometimes the impact of serious health issues leads us to question our purpose, value or identity.
How therapy can help:
- Reduce your psychological distress related to your condition
- Provide coping strategies and ways to manage physical symptoms and flare ups
- Implement adaptive lifestyle changes, such as changing routines, pacing and prioritizing differently, as well as problem solving
- Express your needs, boundaries, and limitations to family, friends, and employers
- Support the emotional processing of your unique experience with pain or disability
Therapy is increasingly integrated into multi-disciplinary approaches for treating and managing chronic illness and pain. It does not replace medical treatment, but works alongside it to address the emotional and psychological aspects that exacerbate physical symptoms. This helps change the pain cycle. Emotional support and practical solutions help to gain back more control over one’s life while developing self-compassion and resilience.
Living with a chronic condition can be physically and psychologically tiring, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
