Living with a chronic illness isn’t easy. Some days, you might feel relatively well. But on other days, your symptoms could be more severe. You may feel like the people around you aren’t always understanding of your medical needs or limitations.

Sometimes, people might misunderstand the nature of your illness and act as though you’ll get “better” in the future. At other times, you might feel grief and sadness over missing out on certain activities and milestones or being unable to participate in hobbies that you used to love.

Chronic illnesses don’t just affect your physical health. They affect your mental health, too. Coping with a chronic illness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and more. Here’s how to prioritize your mental health when you’re living with a chronic illness.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Your loved ones might mean well when they try to cheer you up. But living with a chronic illness is difficult. You don’t need to try to cover up your feelings in order to make other people feel more comfortable. If you’re feeling down, you have every right to acknowledge and express it.

Trying to suppress your emotions and push them under the rug will only make your mental health struggles worse in the long run.

Write in a Journal

Letting your feelings out can make you feel like you’ve taken a weight off of your shoulders. By keeping a journal, you’ll always have a safe, private outlet for all of your complicated emotions. You can write in your journal at any time, and you can say whatever is on your mind without fearing judgment.

Turn to Your Support System

It’s true that your loved ones may not always understand what your life is like with a chronic illness. But even if they haven’t been in your shoes, it’s important to have people in your life whom you trust and can turn to for support when you’re feeling low.

Trying to deal with a chronic illness and mental health conditions on your own is practically impossible. If you don’t have a strong support system, you may want to look into online support groups for people who are also dealing with your condition.

Find Low-Energy Hobbies

Living with a chronic illness can sap your energy. Many people with chronic illnesses struggle with fatigue and brain fog, which can make it hard to hold down a job, keep up with hobbies, and even socialize with your loved ones. You might feel like you don’t get to enjoy your free time because so many activities are too difficult for you.

Consider picking up some hobbies that don’t require much physical activity. You may want to set a reading goal, start knitting, or try out any other activity that will allow you to have fun while staying sedentary.

Talk to a Therapist

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist if you’re struggling with your mental health. You may even be able to find a counselor who specializes in supporting people living with chronic illnesses. If you worry that attending sessions in person will be difficult for you, look for therapists that offer virtual services.

Today, this is a very popular option, and you can video chat with your therapist while staying comfortable at home. It can take some time to find a therapist you truly click with, but searching for the right one is definitely worth the effort!

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Has living with a chronic illness had a negative impact on your mental health? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for women’s counseling or men’s counseling.