Common Sources of Stress Faced by Chronic Illness Patients
Once you get an official diagnosis, you enter a new journey to learn how to adapt to your condition. You now have to understand how to manage symptoms, medications, and appointments with specialists and tend to other responsibilities as part of your new “normal.”
It’s common to focus on how the symptoms of chronic illness can affect you. Living with an invisible illness can add worries about the future, disability, and finances. These stressors add to the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of chronic illness.
Continue reading to discover stressors your chronic illnesses may add to your life.
How chronic illnesses can cause stress
It’s expected to experience disease-specific symptoms related to your chronic illness. But, there are also “invisible” symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and mood disorders, that you may face. Also, you’re likely taking medicines and exercising to stay healthy. With these responsibilities, it’s easy to succumb to stress over time.
What are the sources of stress from your chronic illness?
The chronic illness itself
As mentioned earlier, living with a chronic illness can bring about stress. Managing symptoms, attending doctors’ appointments, and keeping track of medications can affect your mental health.
Uncertainties about the future
Uncertainty is a common experience of many patients with chronic illnesses. If you’ve never known someone who had your condition or done any research prior, you may not know what to expect. These uncertainties create fear when thinking about the symptoms, family planning, and long-term care of your chronic illness.
Disability
Most chronic illnesses are disabilities as they limit your ability to do certain tasks, such as getting dressed or driving. That said, a disability can increase your stress levels. A CDC survey revealed that adults with a disability experienced more mental distress than those without disabilities.
Financial challenges
Unfortunately, managing chronic illnesses can be expensive. You may have more visits to the doctors’ offices and refill prescriptions. Having insurance can help, sometimes you may pay out-of-pocket when something isn't covered.
With an invisible illness, you have a higher risk of getting infections and viruses. Getting sick can lead to many trips to urgent care or the emergency room, causing hefty medical bills.
Symptoms of stress
Here are the symptoms of stress you may experience while living with a chronic illness.
Anxiety
Sleeping difficulties
Fatigue
Body aches and pains
Irritability
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Cognitive problems
If your chronic illness is taking a toll on your mental and emotional health, please seek help. Speaking to a mental health provider can address any stress you help you learn to cope.
For any emergencies, please dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
