Physical illness and mental health
A significant physical condition will affect many of us at some point. Mental and emotional states can be affected by illness and treatment. A person with a severe physical illness, a friend, or a relative can use this booklet. It states:
- How mental illness affects our physical health How does it feel to be anxious or depressed?
- Why do physical illnesses cause more depression and anxiety?
- What if the likelihood of experiencing anxiety or depression rises?
- When should you seek assistance?
- How do you deal with anxiety or depression?
- What could you do on your own?
- What can relatives or friends do?
- Where can you get assistance or learn more about this?
Mental anguish and physical illness :
All aspects of your life can be affected by serious physical illnesses. It could affect your work, relationships, religion, and social interactions. Depression, anxiety, fear, and anger are all symptoms of serious illness.
This may be due to:
- What exactly took place?
- How do you deal with pain from surgery or side effects from medication?
- What will the treatment accomplish?
We are no longer in control of our bodies or other things. It would appear that we are powerless. We feel cut off from friends and family. It can be challenging to discuss illness with loved ones at times. We don't want to cause them stress or harm.
Physical illness can be overwhelming for some people. Anxiety and depression can be caused by heart disease or cancer. It may disrupt our day-to-day lives.
How does it feel to be depressed or anxious?
Our minds and bodies are affected by anxiety and depression. Sometimes both occur simultaneously.
Anxiety or worry:
Thinking constantly, especially about illness or how to treat it. It seems like the worst thing that could happen is what will happen. For instance, it might appear that the illness will be too severe or that it will kill you.
Muscle pain or tightness, inability to relax, sweating, rapid breathing, dizziness, and hearing chest murmurs (also known as chest palpitations) are all signs of heartburn or frequent bowel movements.
Depression-like emotions:
Lack of enthusiasm for life; inability to enjoy anything; inability to make decisions, even in small matters; constant exhaustion; unease or restlessness; loss of appetite and weight loss (in some cases, the opposite; both hunger and weight gain); insomnia and waking up early in the morning; reluctance to engage in sexual activity.
An overall sense of disappointment with oneself, one's current situation, and the world as a whole, as well as a feeling of inferiority and incompetence It could be that I think I'll never get better or that I'm completely useless.
Suicide is possible. Depression often results in this. If this is how you feel, it's better to talk about it than to keep everything in your head.
Some of these symptoms, such as insomnia, loss of appetite or feeling tired, may be due to your physical illness or its treatment. If you talk to your doctor or nurse about this, will he or she be able to determine the cause? Depression or physical illness?
Why is it that people with serious physical illnesses are more likely to experience depression or anxiety?
Any kind of stress makes people more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Stress is caused by illness and its treatment. It appears that this is the most likely cause.
Steroids, for example, alter brain function. Anxiety and depression can result from this. Certain diseases, such as an underactive thyroid gland, affect brain function. It can also lead to depression or anxiety.
Moreover, both depression and anxiety are common in the general population. So you may have physical ailments along with anxiety or depression.
Which scenario results in an increase in your anxiety or depression risk?
Having a physical illness makes you more likely to have a mental illness. You've had anxiety or depression in the past. You don't have any family or friends with whom you can talk about your illness. You're female (women are more likely than men to have depression or anxiety). There are many other stressors in your life right now, like divorce, losing a loved one, losing your job, etc. You're in so much pain. Your illness can be life-threatening.If you are prone to depression or anxiety and are unable to complete your own work because of
illness:
After major surgery, when you first learn about your illness, or if your treatment is more painful if you get sick again after being healthy for some time. For instance, if there is a second heart attack or the cancer goes away, it will get worse again if treatment doesn't work.
When should you get assistance? If you suffer from anxiety or depression:
surpasses the dimensions; You have never experienced such anxiety or depression; its prevalence does not decrease with age; your work, hobbies, and relationships with family and friends are deteriorating; it appears that life has no purpose or that everyone is better off without you; you may not be aware that you are depressed; you believe that physical illness is the cause of your difficulties; you feel lazy or weak.
You may be able to rely on the assurance of others. They might assert that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for assistance. To cope with depression or anxiety, some immerse themselves in work. Even though it works in some cases, it frequently causes people to feel even more worn out. Headaches, insomnia, or body aches may take the place of depression or anxiety on occasion. Discuss this with your loved ones; they may be able to assist you. Talk to your doctor or nurse, however, if that does not assist.
Given that, is it reasonable to request assistance?
It can be difficult to reach out for assistance when we are physically ill. It may appear:
You don't want people to think you're ungrateful, like you're complaining about your doctor or nurse. Saying you think you have mental health problems can make it hard to treat your physical illness. You may think a doctor or nurse will take care of your physical ailments without worrying about your emotional problems. The cause of your suffering is understood; nothing more can be done about it. It is true that we are aware that physical illness can cause depression or anxiety. That doesn't mean there isn't anything else that can be done. The nurse or doctor cares about your overall health. This includes your anxiety or depression. They can assist you:
Being aware of the anxiety you feel in this situation, Is your knowledge of your disease and its treatment sufficient?
assisting you in expressing your emotions and determining whether you require treatment for depression or anxiety
How can anxiety and depression be treated?
Numerous professionals are available to assist you. Your counselor, psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist are among these. Your symptoms, the severity of your depression or anxiety, and your circumstances will all play a role in your treatment. Talking, taking antidepressants, or both are parts of the treatment, from time to time.
