This post is about can physical illness make you depressed.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost. Please read the full disclosure here.
In the mix of our bodies and minds, there exists a balance between physical health and mental well-being.
For those grappling with long-term physical illnesses, the impact reaches beyond the physical realm, touching and transforming our mental health.
Let’s explore the profound question: Can physical illness make you depressed?
Can Physical Illness Make You Depressed?
1: The Overwhelming Struggle
Life’s demands can sometimes pile up, especially when contending with a persistent physical ailment.
I had Hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy. It’s severe vomiting and neausea for the full 9 months which included multiple hospital admissions. The overwhelming nature of this and the daily struggles did cast a shadow on my mental well-being. It made me stressed, anxious and lead to bouts of depression.
I definitely have to put everything I know about mental health into practice when I am experiencing long term physical illnesses. To help with the stress I make sure I follow my stress management workbook. You can download it here.
I also make sure I follow my 10 minute daily mental health boosters. You can check that out here.
2: Coping in the Midst of Challenges
When you’re dealing with a sickness for a really long time, it becomes super important to find good ways to handle it.
Here are some helpful ways to handle a long-term sickness:
- Break It Down: Take things step by step. Big problems feel smaller when you tackle them bit by bit.
- Talk It Out: Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. It could be a friend, family member, or even a professional. It makes a difference.
- Find Relaxation: Do things that help you relax, like reading, listening to music, or taking a gentle walk. These activities can ease stress and worry.
- Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Whether from friends, family, or professionals, having help makes facing challenges easier.
Remember, you’re not alone, and finding what works best for you can make handling a long-term sickness a bit more manageable.
3: Seeking the Light in Accessible Resources
In the age of information, finding resources that resonate and are easily digestible can be so difficult.
Let’s explore accessible websites that help anyone with mental health concerns.
- https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- https://www.livin.org
- https://www.lifeline.org.au
- https://mhanational.org
- https://www.headspace.com
4: Building Bridges in Supportive Communities
When you’re dealing with health struggles, it really helps to connect with people who understand what you’re going through.
Being part of a supportive community is like having a group of friends who get it – they become a lifeline, offering understanding and support throughout your journey.
Ways to build a supporting community around you:
- Join Online Communities: Look for online groups or forums related to your health challenges. Connecting with people who share similar experiences can provide valuable support and understanding.
- Attend Support Groups: Check for local or virtual support groups in your area that focus on your specific health condition. These groups often offer a safe space for sharing, learning, and building connections.
- Engage in Social Media: Explore social media platforms for communities dedicated to your health concerns. Many people find comfort and support through Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter communities where they can share stories and advice. You can follow my Instagram community for like minded people here.
- Participate in Wellness Events: Attend events or workshops related to health and wellness. Whether in-person or virtual, these gatherings can be an excellent opportunity to meet individuals facing similar challenges and build a supportive network.
- Open Up to Friends and Family: Don’t underestimate the power of your existing social circle. Share your experiences with friends and family, and let them be part of your support system. Sometimes, the people closest to you can offer the most meaningful support.
Building a supportive community involves a mix of online connections, local groups, social media engagement, attending events, and embracing the support from your personal network.
You can join my mental health community if like minded women here.
5: Gaining Personal Growth Amidst Adversity
In the world of chronic illness, wanting to grow personally is like a guiding star. It’s not just a wish; it’s a light that shows the way to feeling more powerful.
Dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD is a journey where you discover more about yourself. It’s about learning skills and simple strategies that help you become stronger for navigating through other tough times effectively.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory that explains this kind of transformation following trauma. It was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s, and holds that people who endure psychological struggle following adversity can often see positive growth afterward. “People develop new understandings of themselves, the world they live in, how to relate to other people, the kind of future they might have and a better understanding of how to live life,” says Tedeschi. – American Psychological Association
6: Nurturing the Core Values: Mental Well-being and Self-Care
Life can get pretty hectic, right? Amidst all the hustle and bustle, taking good care of your mental well-being and practicing self-care becomes super important.
If you’re nodding along, you’re in good company. My online community values these things too. They’re all about striking that balance between work and life, all while building up resilience—a real superhero move against life’s ups and downs. Join my community on Instagram and Facebook.
Final Thoughts: Can physical illness make you depressed
Let’s break it down—your health is like a big, intricate quilt. Threads of how your body and mind feel are all woven together.
Now, if you’re dealing with a long-term health challenge, it’s essential to understand how it affects not just your body but also your mind. It’s like taking a crucial step toward feeling good in every way.
Here’s the secret sauce: admit the challenges, look for easy-to-understand info, and find people who get it. It’s like having a roadmap through this tricky dance of health, helping you stay strong and graceful even when things get tough.
This post was about can physical illness make you depressed.