Chronic Illness – Mental Support Is Equally Important As Medication

A chronic ailment is medical condition that takes place or carries on over a long period of time. Many factors can contribute to having a chronic illness, such as heredity/genetics or lifestyle choices. For instance alcohol consumption and smoking are lifestyle factors that increases the risk of obtaining a chronic disease. Another important factor that may contribute to having a chronic ailment is aging, as human beings tend to be more susceptible to these sorts of illnesses as our bodies mature. For instance, some elderly people may obtain chronic illnesses like cancer, due to aging regardless of sound lifestyle choices.

There are various types of chronic disease, affecting different areas and functions of the body. Examples of chronic diseases include cancer, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension, arthritis and asthma. While most of these ailments can’t be cured completely, they can be controlled with the help of medicine.

A valuable asset when coping with a chronic illness is social support. Having the support of friends and family helps to offer individuals hope in their journey and a moral booster along the way. Furthermore this support can practically help someone with chronic illness in many ways, from medication adherence to accessing treatment.

Understanding how a chronic illness works can also aid in coping with a particular disease. For instance with ailments like diabetes, understanding the how the disease works can aid in making healthy diet choices that are crucial in managing diabetes. Furthermore, understanding the symptoms of an illness can help you provide better information and feedback to your doctor and other healthcare professionals.

As such, and given that chronic disease a last over a long duration of time, management by a medical doctor is usually necessary. In addition to management of physical symptoms by a medical doctor, many people need additional care to help with the mental and emotional toll that comes with chronic illness. Chronic disease does not affect your body physically, but it can also impact your emotional and mental wellbeing. As a result many individuals with a chronic illness find therapy and counseling very helpful in order to cope with the negative emotional and mental effects of living with chronic illness. Psychologists are especially qualified to help individuals process the emotional ramifications of living with a chronic illness. Psychologists can aid in processing many mental issues related to having a chronic disease including depression, anxiety, existential dilemmas, and feelings of loneliness.

If you are looking for a Psychologist for chronic illness in Claremont, contact Verdant Oak Behavioral Health (VOBH) - a group of collaborating psychologists located in South Pasadena.