Chronic Illness

Chronic illness is a long-term illness that usually cannot be cured, although it may be able to be managed. Examples of chronic illnesses can include diabetes, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a person’s life and involve adjustment to demands of the illness, causing additional stress and significant life changes. Thus, individuals with chronic illnesses have been found to be twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression. 

Common stresses related to chronic illness can include: 

• Living with the physical effects of the illness 
• Seeking or undergoing treatment 
• Communicating with doctors 
• Maintaining confidence and a positive self-image 
• Maintaining emotional balance 
• Occasionally, a loss of a previous way of life 
• Changes to mobility
• Changes to independence 
• Changes to ability to work