The Intersection of Mental Health and Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases may make patients & caregivers more likely to have or develop a mental health condition. Caregivers of chronic diseases patients commonly experience comorbid mental illness. Anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & major depressive disorder (MDD) are the most common psychiatric consequences among caregivers of patients affected by severe chronic diseases. Mental disorders affect caregivers’ ability to carry on with daily life. Mental disorders are serious medical illness with many symptoms, including physical ones. Some symptoms of mental disorders include:Persistent sad, anxious, depression, stress, or "empty" moodFeeling hopeless, or pessimisticFeeling irritable, easily frustrated‚ or restlessFeeling guilty, worthlessLoss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activitiesDecreased energy, fatigue, or feeling "slowed down"Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisionsDifficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleepingChanges in appetite or weightAches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatmentSuicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide.