In the following story, you’ll hear one individual’s lived experiences of how their chronic illness impacted their mental health and about finding support from a therapist to help manage it.

The Research Phase

My mother and I spent my youth being detectives. Despite numerous occasions of autoimmune-like activity, doctors would focus the individual events and never linked anything together. This, combined with the medical gaslighting that young women often face, meant my mom and I were on the case.

Every new symptom was vigorously researched by the two of us; trying to find the connections between my mental and physical symptoms and ultimately identifying a pattern that led us to a general idea of what I was dealing with. We came to the conclusion that I had some type of autoimmune disease.

While studying for her nursing exam, my mother came across some research that suggested that inflammation in the body could cause depression. I remember my heart dropping into my stomach; something was wrong with my brain. But also a sense of relief; something was wrong with my brain and not me!

Getting Answers

My first depressive episode coincided with my first patch of psoriasis. My joint pain began 7 or 8 years later (which is the exact statistical average for this disease). It was another 7 years of treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain before I finally received a diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis.

Initially, I was relieved that I finally had a name for it (and a bit of vindication that my mom and I were right). After digesting the reality of having a condition that has no cure, I experienced a period of grief; grief for the time I had wasted needlessly suffering, and grief for a future that will always be tainted with pain.

When the medications kicked in, I felt the depression lift. Because I finally knew what “it” was, I began to understand how my body worked and the things that made it better and worse. Through this self-discovery, I was able to find the parts of my past that I’d never truly healed from. Having this new understanding of what exactly I needed help with, I decided to try therapy again.

Doing the Work

Despite treatment, my body and my brain still have their ups and downs, often surfing together in the waves. My “surfing instructor” has been tremendously understanding and helpful in identifying the waves and creating a plan on how to ride the next one.

She once told me that she noticed it was cloudy that morning and immediately thought of me, and that I would likely come in tired, and I did. She not only remembered that pattern, but believed me when I’d said it. This confirmed a foundation of trust; someone was finally really listening, believing, and understanding my struggle.

While I do have a great support system of friends, few can withstand how often I say “My back hurts” or “I’m tired”. Having a therapist has given me a place to sort through my thoughts with someone who can do more than just give sympathy, which has then helped me communicate my needs better to my loved ones.

If there is one thing I’ve learned being chronically ill and mentally ill, is how important it is to take care of your health and never stop advocating for it.

The first step you can take is making that first appointment, may it be with a therapist here at HBH or your primary care physician, to start your journey towards total wellness.

Can Physical Health Affect Mental Health?

Patients with chronic health conditions experience depressive disorders alongside their disease at 2-3 times the rate of healthy individuals. This can be due to genetic factors, stress from managing the illness, side effects from medications, quality of life, and even symptoms of the disease itself (such as inflammation’s effect on the brain in those with autoimmune disorders).

The connection can even work backwards; studies show those with major depression or PTSD are more likely to develop chronic diseases. The two disorders have a symbiotic relationship: when they’re working together, symptoms of both can become more severe.

It is easy to understand why being in chronic pain could cause depression from being unable to physically enjoy the things you used to and not being able to show up for your loved ones the way you’d like to. Depression can keep you locked in bed, unable to cook healthy foods and maintain healthy habits, and in turn can make your physical symptoms worse.

Looking For a Therapist For Chronic Health Problems?

A holistic approach that takes into account the mind and the body is important in your treatment plan for managing a chronic health condition.

Handel Behavioral Health has a great team of compassionate therapists with experience in counseling patients with chronic health/medical problems.

When you are ready to embark on your health journey, our therapists are here to help. To start working with one of our therapists for health/medical problems online or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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