3 Unexpected Ways Chronic Health Issues Can Affect You

When you live with a chronic illness, you learn to adapt. You learn how to travel, how to deal with doctors, and how to manage your energy levels. As you live alongside the condition every day, it becomes a part of who you are, and you largely begin to know what to expect as a result.

However, there are a number of unexpected ways that any kind of chronic illness can affect your life. Below, you’ll find a list of three little-known ways that chronic illness can make all the difference in your life…

Chronic illness causes economic hardship

Numerous studies have been conducted into the impact of chronic health issues on economic stability - and the results make for grim reading. People with chronic illnesses are more likely to have to deal with extreme economic hardship, due to a combination of not being able to work and the high cost of treatment.

If you are struggling with your finances, you may find this guide to managing your finances when you have a chronic illness beneficial.

Chronic illness causes poor general health management

People with chronic illnesses are rather expert at managing their health, and especially when compared to the rest of the population. However, this tends to apply to their specific illness, rather than general health management.

When you are focused on dealing with a specific condition, the management of that condition can consume all of your time and energy. As a result, you may find that general health good practice, such as regular dental checkups, eye tests, or a dedicated exercise regime fall by the wayside. This is completely understandable, and in most cases, can be rectified in time; you can start an exercise regime whenever you are ready, and solutions such as dental implants can help overcome issues with oral health. However, the risk of neglecting your general health needs is worth noting, and may even be worth discussing with your doctor if it proves to be particularly problematic.

Chronic illness has been linked to higher rates of depression

While it is impossible to say that chronic illness causes depression, it is a simple statistical fact that people with chronic illnesses are more likely to be depressed.

Depression risk in the general population:
Women: 10-25%
Men: 5-12%

Depression risk for those with chronic illnesses:
25-33%

If you have a chronic illness, depressive feelings are not just “one of those things” that you have to accept as part and parcel of your condition. If you do exhibit any of the symptoms of depression, it is advisable to talk to a doctor or therapist for further advice on managing the condition. Depression can be controlled, and reaching out to a medical professional is a vital first step to achieving this.

In conclusion

While it can be difficult to read the above, there is one upside to doing so: now you know. With awareness of the potential issues as described above, you can hopefully implement preventative measures and - where necessary - solutions to existing problems to live your best life while you courageously fight your chronic health condition.

This may be a contributed post but all of the thoughts I agree with and match the tone of my blog.