The Connection Between Chronic Illness and Anxiety

Blog written by Julie Shaw LMSW, EMDR, CBT & DBT Therapist

Chronic illness and anxiety are often connected. As we know, chronic illness and anxiety leave psychological impacts due to feelings of frustration, helplessness, sadness, and uncertainty individuals can face daily. This can lead to a constant state of uncertainty, when trying to manage chronic illness, and can contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms, or magnify one’s existing anxiety which can lead to generalized anxiety disorder. 

The Waves of Uncertainty 

Individuals with chronic illness are often living with challenges on a daily basis, making daily living activities very difficult and impacting their overall sense of quality and fulfillment with daily living. Chronic illness leaves the brain on overdrive–Will I feel well enough today? Will my symptoms get worse today? What new treatments may I be exposed to this week? Am I doing enough to take care of my body? The fear of worsening symptoms and ever changing needs, increases our anxiety and hinders our sense of control, hopefulness, and self-esteem. Because of this, individuals with chronic illness can feel a sense of grief and loss due to the restrictions in their day to day living. Individuals often find themselves looking at life with a lens of hopefulness and a lens of despair.  Furthermore, chronic illness and anxiety can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, both of which can be exacerbated by stress and reduce our immune system, placing individuals at a greater risk for worsening symptoms or development of further health complications.

How Chronic Illness & Anxiety Overlap

Let’s focus on what we can control and tune into listening to what our body is saying. Do you have a good understanding of what anxiety and chronic illness can look like in our bodies? Here is a sneak peek: Symptoms of anxiety include but are not limited to: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, persistent worry, sleep disturbances, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, feeling on edge, and gastrointestinal issues. Chronic illness can have a variety of symptoms as well, and are of course, unique to each person’s health, however, some symptoms may mirror anxiety quite a bit.Take a look at some of these common symptoms of chronic illness: fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood changes, cognitive variance, digestive barriers, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and pain. A lot of these symptoms overlap don’t they? So what can someone do in an effort to take care of themselves? Keep reading to find some helpful tips for consideration.

Coping with Chronic Illness & Anxiety

Therapy for Depression is one choice. Therapy to reduce depression can combine a combination of different modalities of treatment. Treatment plans are created on an individual basis to ensure person-centered care. Modalities of treatment for depression may include cognition, behavioral, and interpersonal techniques. Here are a few examples: Experience the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Learn effective strategies to manage emotions relating to depression and improve your mental well-being and thought processes with CBT. Did you know that CBT has been found to be just as effective as antidepressant medication management? It’s true! Encourage your wellness and consider a holistic intervention to reduce your symptoms and discover enhanced thought processes, empowering techniques to navigate your depression independently, and strive towards constructive thoughts and greater balance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One therapeutic intervention that has been effective to assist with anxiety and chronic illness, as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to restructure our thought patterns, such as reducing the thoughts relating to the challenges of the illness and strengthening a more balanced and strengthened based thought process. CBT will also encourage exploration of behavioral strategies to help manage symptoms relating to anxiety and chronic illness for purposeful distraction techniques. During CBT, coping strategies will also be explored to encourage relaxation and grounding to remain in the present moment, in an effort to reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with chronic illness. 

Take time to listen to your needs and advocate for improvement in your functioning. Reach out for help and support to lead to improvement and greater fulfillment in your daily life if you are navigating chronic illness and anxiety. Stay informed, our knowledge empowers us to be able to take measures in a proactive manner versus a reactive state when it comes to navigating health challenges. You will always know yourself best. Prepare for your appointments with your Healthcare providers, ask questions, stay tuned into how your body is feeling, and stay confident when expressing your goals or needs. Lastly, count on those around you in your support circle. Sharing communication with individuals you trust will provide you with support, strengthen your mood as you continue to face challenges relating to chronic illness and anxiety, and strengthen your hopefulness and positivity for improvement in your future!

I can help you heal through anxiety treatment through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Reach out now to schedule a session with me- learn more here.

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