How Chronic Health Conditions Affect Mental Health in Adults Over 40

Blogs13 Aug 2024

A chronic health condition can cause not only physical discomfort but psychological issues too. With diagnosis, treatment, medications and more taking up more and more of one’s time, it’s natural to feel restless, distraught and more. As individuals enter their 40s and beyond, they may face various chronic health conditions that can significantly impact their mental health. In this article, we’ll explore this connection between chronic health conditions and mental health in older adults and look at coping strategies to manage mental health better.

When faced with a chronic condition, some common feelings that may arise are:

• Worry about the impending future
• Feeling limited by your condition in terms of activities and chores that you can or cannot do
• Fear of the outcome of treatments
• Feeling distressed while trying to adapt to this new reality

What are chronic health conditions and their impact on mental health?

Before we jump into chronic conditions and their effects on mental health, it’s important to understand what we define as chronic health conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic health conditions are not passed from person to person and they are of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

With unhealthy lifestyles becoming commonplace, issues such as obesity can cause chronic health issues. Chronic health conditions typically require ongoing management and care. Each of these conditions can have a profound impact on an individual's mental health, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, stress, etc.

Chronic illnesses that may affect mental health issues are:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Lupus
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s
• HIV/AIDS
• Parkinson's disease
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis 

Patients with one of these illnesses can face depression and other mental disorders when diagnosed, during treatment and even while on medication for these conditions. Science has found that those who suffer from depression and a chronic illness have more chances of facing severe symptoms of both their conditions!

An overview of mental health issues in India

Adults in India face a host of mental health disorders namely

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Substance use disorder

These mental health issues can impact the way one maintains their personal and professional relationships and their ability to pursue education or perform at a job. These issues can cause anguish, distress, lower productivity levels, leading to an overall poorer quality of life.

Coping Strategies for Managing Mental Health with Chronic Health Conditions

Getting treated for your chronic illness while also taking treatment for chronic depression or other mental ailments can be huge to take on, but it can turn out to be quite helpful. If you have been consistently feeling sadness, anxiety or any of the symptoms listed above, then it’s time to visit a professional psychologist. They can identify your symptoms, hear you out and evaluate how to proceed further. Along with professional help, you can also use helpful management techniques to help your condition. Here are a few:

Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups:

Sharing experiences and feelings with loved ones or joining support groups can significantly help individuals cope with the mental health challenges associated with chronic health conditions. The sense of belonging and understanding you get from your own people might help drive away feelings of isolation and depression in adults .

Practising stress management techniques:

Meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises may be worth trying to manage stress and anxiety related to chronic health conditions. Adding these practices into daily routines might bring a sense of calm and boost mental health.

Utilising professional help:

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors can provide valuable guidance and support in managing mental illness related to chronic health conditions. These professionals can help individuals develop coping strategies, identify triggers, and address underlying mental health concerns.

Conclusion

Life after 40 could be greatly hampered by chronic illness as they have a huge chance of bringing on adult depression and other mental disorders as well. Understanding this connection between chronic health conditions and mental health disorders can help one identify their symptoms and navigate this better.

With the right tools and resources, people with chronic illnesses can confidently navigate their path towards healthy ageing while maintaining their mental health and overall well-being. Let Right Shift be your companion on this journey, providing valuable support and guidance.