The physical damage caused by a chronic illness is mostly evident, but the psychological toll is not as apparent. Chronic illness affects both mind and body. The degree of the psychological effect is variable and depends on a persons coping skills and attitude.
Reacting To Loss
Chronic arthritis is a disease which exemplifies how illness impacts a person both physically and psychologically. Arthritis is a progressive disease which can lead to loss of ability and increased physical limitation. The rate at which loss occurs varies with individuals and the severity of the disease. As more ability is lost and more changes in habits and lifestyle occur, emotional upheaval is apt to occur.
The pain associated with arthritis can drain a person's energy and cause fatigue and exhaustion. Normal daily activities can become burdensome, and recreational activities convert into unenjoyable encounters. The impact of arthritis on a persons lifestyle can feel dreadful. Athletes may be forced to become spectators, career-oriented people may become unable to work, sociable people may regress into isolation, and independent people may be forced to become more dependent on others.
How a person reacts to these changes and copes with transition will determine how long depression will linger. A certain amount of feeling down or blue is a normal reaction to loss. When the depression becomes unwavering, lasting for long periods and interfering with normal life, professional help is needed.
Fearing The Future
Characteristically chronic arthritis is a disease which is unpredictable. It is a disease which displays periods of ups and downs, good days and bad days. The course the disease will take is uncertain. The severity and destruction which will result cannot be foreseen. The uncertainty and unpredictability often lead to fear. Fearing the future and the unknown are part of a cycle of depression.
From the time of the initial diagnosis, fearful questions come to mind. "What will the future hold? Will I need a wheelchair? Will I become crippled?" As time goes on some questions get answered, and other questions develop. The fear of increased pain, fear of increased disability, fear of new treatments,fear of others' reactions, and fear of financial loss are all legitimate concerns. The attitude with which the fears are confronted determine if depression or coping will endure.
Managing Depression
Approaching life which has been complicated by chronic illness with assertive behaviors can help control ensuing depression. The ability to rise above negative feelings and demonstrate positive actions impedes depression from becoming overwhelming and consuming.
Gather the facts
Gaining knowledge and becoming educated about your particular chronic disease can help you control fear of the unknown. Dealing with reality, rather than distorted thoughts, and accepting accurate perceptions and objective opinions can help thwart depressed feelings. A bad situation can easily be made worse if a person predicts doom based on unfounded nonsense. Deal with the situation as it is. Do not prognosticate that you will end up in a wheelchair when it is likely that you will not. Face reality as it occurs.
Avoid isolation
Feelings of worthlessness and lack of confidence develop with increased disability. Depleted stamina and strength can produce an anti-social attitude whereby a person does not feel like joining family and friends, opting for isolation. It is important to maintain contact with other people and draw energy from their support and understanding. Approachability is a key ingredient to developing and maintaining friendships and family bonds. Remain open to people who accept you along with your limitations.
Pursue enjoyment
Despite the restrictions imposed by your chronic illness, there are still things you find pleasurable and enjoyable. It is imperative for your psychological and physical health that you continue to pursue activities which bring satisfaction and happiness to you. Though your life has been altered because of chronic illness, there still is an existence which can achieve delight. Enjoyment is the greatest diversion from depression. If your mind is occupied with pleasure there is no room for negativity.
Focus on today
Focusing on what needs to be done on a particular day and what is happening around you channels your thoughts into the present. Taking control of chores you can do, finishing tasks you are able to perform, caring for yourself, and concentrating on a goal for a particular day keeps your mind engaged with healthy thoughts and activity. Feelings of depression are naturally disallowed because your mind is occupied.
