Long term physical health condition taking a toll on your mental health? Seek help from an individual therapist in Mumbai.

The mind and body are intricately interconnected. The biological secretion of neurotransmitters directly affects our mood, level of sustained attention and bodily energy levels.

Similarly, individuals with chronic physical conditions are also at high risk for some mental health concerns.

Long term (i.e. chronic) physical health conditions are those that are managed with medication and other treatment options. Some examples of long term physical health conditions are diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke.

Any long term physical health condition takes a direct toll on mental health. It can result in mood fluctuations, being in a constant state of anxiety about what next to deal with or about the treatment prognosis. There might also be a sense of loneliness felt as well - at not feeling understood or alone in the experience of having a chronic physical condition.

Individuals with any long term health condition can also feel quite discouraged about the physical limits that the condition puts on their lives and ability to engage in certain activities. This can negatively affect one’s mood and interest, understandably. It also can impact the control felt over one’s life which can result in a feeling of helplessness at having restrictions, grief at the loss of some normalcy and fear of what the future holds for them.

Research has also shown that these individuals are at higher risk for depression and anxiety, specifically.

The physical health condition can exacerbate mental health concerns as well- for example, diabetes can result in fluctuating moods due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

The correlation between good physical well-being and improved mental health is one worth investing time in. Thus, making it even more imperative to reach out for help - mental health support in addition to a physical health treatment plan laid out by the doctor.

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This could mean:

• Seeking help and reaching out to a mental health therapist for individual therapy to process the impact of this condition on mental health and ways to cope.
• Reaching out to support groups to connect with other individuals with long term physical health conditions- this can increase a sense of belonging and understanding with others who have a chronic condition as well and help one cope with the sense of loneliness.
• Not withdrawing from loved ones and confiding in them about what you are going through and how they can help.
• Family therapy to help one’s caregivers understand how they can help.
• Learning and understanding as much as possible about the condition - this will help maintain a sense of control and provide clarity about the symptoms and what to expect.