Over 20 percent of Americans (or around 51 million people) live with chronic illnesses. These almost always stem from various injuries, infections, and diseases. Day in and day out, they are unable to find relief from these conditions. It can be challenging and build feelings of hopelessness. Some people who struggle with chronic illness and pain may develop mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Resources are available that can provide emotional support for people living with these conditions. Hope is a balm for someone suffering from a chronic illness. Once you understand the impact of these conditions and learn more about the mental health challenges, you can move forward on solutions that mitigate the pain and provide the support your loved one needs. You can provide empathy and compassion while helping your loved one locate a support group and make the most of the available resources found in this article.

Understanding Chronic Illness and Its Impact

A chronic illness can leave you unable to live your life in the same way you did before. You might not be able to work doing the same thing, and you may be faced with giving up activities that you enjoy. These physical changes in your overall health can lead to changes in your mental health. When you're in pain every day, it's easy to feel depressed and anxious, especially as days turn into weeks and months. It can also lead to suicidal thoughts or self-destructive actions.

Chronic Illness and Mental Health Issues

Five key facts about chronic illness and pain include:

In the United States, around one out of six Americans experience pain daily.
Pain is often the main reason that people seek medical attention even though most doctors receive less than nine hours of education about pain during medical school.
Combining different therapies is often the best course for managing chronic pain.
Someone with chronic pain is four times more likely to deal with depression and anxiety. Also, they're more likely to attempt suicide.
Due to the loss of work, the yearly cost of chronic pain is as much as $638 billion.

If you or a loved one struggles with chronic conditions, help is available.

Recognizing Emotional and Mental Health Challenges

When chronic illness or pain brings on emotional and mental health changes, these changes can be slow and subtle, making them challenging to recognize. There are a few emotional and mental health challenges that are most associated with chronic conditions. These include:

Depression
Anxiety
Social isolation
Suicidal thoughts
Anger
Sleep problems

These challenges can affect your relationships with friends and family. Early signs of these problems can present as moodiness and changes in behavior. The person struggling with emotional and mental health issues may sleep more than normal, withdraw from their relationships, and avoid doing things that they enjoy. The sooner you recognize the signs; the more effectively you can act and get help. This can help alleviate the issues before they become entrenched.

Supporting Loved Ones With Chronic Illness

It can be heartbreaking to watch someone you love struggle with a chronic illness or pain. However, there are ways you can help, including:

Listening to their concerns
Providing transportation to doctor's appointments
Attending doctor's appointments
Spending time with them
Validating their feelings
Learning more about their condition
Believing the pain is real

Your willingness to support your loved one speaks volumes. Empathy and understanding are important to the support you provide, and your loved one will appreciate it. You want to keep the lines of communication open, so they will reach out to you if they become overwhelmed or have suicidal thoughts.

While you can be a part of your loved one's support network, you should encourage them to join a support group. It's always good for them to hear that they aren't alone, and they may also find constructive ways of dealing with their chronic conditions.

Coping Strategies and Resources

There are practical coping strategies that can help your loved ones manage chronic illness and pain. These are:

Lifestyle changes
- Diets, such as anti-inflammatory foods and low-sugar options
- Exercise
- Sleep
Relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing exercises
- Guided meditation
- Yoga or Thai Chi classes
Mindfulness
- Nature walks
- Being present during a meal or time with family

Small changes can be effective in controlling chronic illness and pain. Professional resources can also provide additional support. You might consider therapy, counseling, and medical support. With extensive experience and training, these professionals can provide you with the latest treatments and techniques for managing these conditions.

If you're struggling with chronic conditions, you might feel like no one else in the world understands. This is where support groups come in. You can spend time with people who see the world through the same lens and possibly gain new insight into ways to manage your condition.

Navigating Suicidal Thoughts and Seeking Help

When you're in pain day after day, and it doesn't seem like it will ever end, it's possible and understandable that your thoughts might turn to suicide. Help is available. Here are the steps you need to take if you're having suicidal thoughts:

Contact a crisis line or suicide prevention line
Reach out to your therapist even if it's after hours
Call a friend or close family member
Ask a friend or family member to come over

It can be challenging to discuss suicidal thoughts with friends and family as the topic is often taboo. You should schedule a time to talk, so you have their full attention. Remember to use words, such as "I feel." You want to be honest and straightforward about your feelings and ask for the help you need.

Moving Forward: Hope and Recovery

With effective management and support for your chronic illness, you can enjoy a better quality of life. You'll find that you can manage your condition and see steady improvement. You have the power within yourself to adapt to your illness and thrive despite it. Hope is the way to move forward and make beneficial changes to your condition and mental outlook. You will find that seeking help and building a support system are key components in your overall health and emotional well-being.

Looking Towards the Future

When you or a loved one faces chronic illness and pain, you must address both the physical and mental aspects and symptoms of the condition. From support groups to lifestyle adjustments, there are a host of possible solutions, and it's up to you to explore these opportunities and determine the ones that offer the most benefits.

You can continue on your journey by learning more about chronic conditions and pain and exploring the latest options for managing pain. Whether you're the one struggling with chronic conditions or it's a loved one, your experience can help you make a difference in the lives of others who are experiencing them for the first time.

Coping With Chronic Illness & Pain: Support for You and Your Family