Living with a long-term condition can be incredibly hard. Millions of people in the United States deal with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or asthma. These illnesses don’t go away quickly—they last for months or even years, and they often need daily care or regular treatment. While we usually talk about how these diseases affect the body, we don’t always talk about how they affect the mind.

Topics like anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being are getting the attention they deserve. But there’s still not enough focus on how physical and mental wellness are connected, especially when it comes to living with a chronic illness.

The truth is, dealing with a chronic condition can take a serious toll on your mental well-being. It can cause stress, and feelings of hopelessness. At the same time, poor mental health can make it harder to manage physical symptoms. The two are closely linked, and one often affects the other in ways we don’t always notice.

We’ll look at why this connection matters, how it affects daily life, and what you can do to take care of both your body and your mind.

What are examples of chronic illness?

Examples of chronic illness include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, COPD, lupus, and multiple sclerosis—conditions that last a long time and often need ongoing treatment.

A chronic illness is a condition that lasts a long time, usually for three months or more. Unlike a cold or the flu, chronic illnesses don’t just go away with rest or medicine. Most of the time, they can’t be cured completely. Instead, people have to manage them through treatment, lifestyle changes, or daily medications. These conditions can have a major effect on a person’s daily life, making it harder to work, go to school, or even do everyday activities like walking, cooking, or socializing.

Chronic illnesses are very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 out of 10 adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, and 4 out of 10 have two or more. These numbers show that millions of people are dealing with long-term medical issues every day.

Heart related disorders are one of the most common chronic diseases

Heart-related issues are some of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people every year. Conditions like hypertension—high blood pressure—can quietly damage the heart and vessels over time and put increase the risk of a myocardial infarction or heart attack. Also, according to the World Health Organization, people with heart disease are up to three times more likely to have depression than people without it.

Managing these diseases often means taking daily medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol  and prevent more serious problems, such as heart attacks or strokes. How you live—your behavior—also makes a big difference: eating a balanced diet, exercising safely, and avoiding smoking all help keep your heart healthy.

Without proper disease management, symptoms like chest pain and fatigue can get worse, and your overall quality of life can go down. By working closely with healthcare providers, following treatment plans, and making smart lifestyle choices—like eating well, engaging in physical activity, and reducing stress—people with heart conditions can stay active and enjoy a better, fuller life.

Some other well-known conditions include:

• Cancer: a disease where cells in the body grow out of control.
• Diabetes: a condition where the body has trouble controlling blood sugar. This includes Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe.
• Arthritis: pain and swelling in the joints.
• Lupus: a disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): a condition that affects the brain and nervous system.
• Chronic kidney disease

Each of these illnesses can be challenging to live with, and they often require long-term medical care and support.

What are the psychological effects of chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases can cause emotional effects like sadness, anger, and loneliness, and may lead to loss of independence, low self-esteem, and feeling defined by the illness.

Living with a chronic illness doesn’t just affect your body—it can have a big impact on your emotions, too. People with long-term conditions often face daily challenges that can make life feel overwhelming. Over time, this can lead to emotional stress and changes in how a person sees themselves and the world around them.

One major effect is the loss of independence. Chronic diseases may limit a person’s ability to work, drive, or take care of themselves. Depending on others for help with simple tasks can feel frustrating and even embarrassing. This can make someone feel like they’ve lost control over their life.

Social isolation is also common. People living with chronic illness might not have the energy to socialize or may avoid others because they feel different. They may worry that friends or coworkers won’t understand what they’re going through, which can lead to loneliness.

Changes in the body, like weight changes or hair loss, can also affect body image and self-worth. A person may feel less confident, less attractive, or even ashamed of how they look or feel.

Emotionally, it’s normal to experience grief, anger, sadness, and frustration. People may grieve the life they had before their illness or feel angry that their body doesn’t work the way it used to.

Some individuals also develop an “illness identity,” meaning they begin to define themselves by their condition. Instead of seeing themselves as a whole person, they might only see the illness, which can lead to even more emotional pain.

These psychological effects are real and powerful, but they’re also treatable. With the right support, people can learn to manage both their physical condition and their mental well-being.

What is the link between mental health and medical disorders?

People with chronic illnesses are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, which can make it harder to manage their physical condition, showing that both are closely connected.

Many studies have found that people with long-term medical conditions are 2 to 3 times more likely to struggle with depression or anxiety than people without those conditions. 

Other research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that adults with type 1 diabetes are over three times more likely to have depression than those who don’t have diabetes.

Mental illness can also make it harder to manage physical illness. For example, people with cystic fibrosis with depression or anxiety were less confident in following their treatment plans. They were also less likely to keep up with important tasks like taking enzymes or doing airway therapy.

How does mental health affect physical outcomes?

Mental well-being influences outcomes by worsening physical symptoms, slowing recovery, increasing hospital visits, and triggering stress-related changes in the body that can lead to more illness.

When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can have a big impact on how well they deal with a physical illness. Conditions like depression and anxiety are more than just emotions—they can actually make physical symptoms worse and get in the way of recovery.

For example, people with untreated depression or anxiety may feel tired, unmotivated, or overwhelmed. This can make it harder to follow treatment plans, take medicine on time, or go to doctor appointments. Over time, this can lead to worsening symptoms, more frequent flare-ups, and even longer recovery times.

In fact, research shows that people with depression are more likely to end up in the hospital than those who don’t have it, especially if they have a chronic illness like heart disease or diabetes. Their bodies may not heal as quickly, and they might need more emergency care because their conditions are not being managed well.

When someone is under a lot of stress, their body produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is useful in small amounts, but when it stays high for too long, it can cause inflammation. Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases, like arthritis and heart disease. This creates a cycle where stress and poor mental health lead to worse physical symptoms, and those symptoms then cause more stress.

This is called a feedback loop, and it shows how closely the brain and body are connected. Taking care of your mental well-being is not just about feeling better emotionally; it’s also essential for keeping your body strong and aiding recovery from illness.

How to handle mental health issues when you live with chronic illness

It’s important to stay connected with others, use coping strategies like mindfulness and routines, stay physically active, and seek support from advocacy groups.

Living with a chronic illness can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as managing your physical condition. One of the best ways to start is by staying connected with family, friends, and your community. Talking to someone you trust about how you’re feeling can help you feel supported and understood. Even just knowing you’re not alone can make a big difference.

There are also many coping strategies that can help you handle stress and improve your mood. Mindfulness—which means focusing on the present moment—can help calm your mind. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellness. Creating a daily routine can also help you feel more in control and give your day more structure and purpose.

Exercise is another helpful tool. You don’t need to run a marathon—just moving your body in ways that feel safe and manageable, like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga, can boost your energy and mood.

Joining a support group can also be powerful. Many people find comfort in talking with others who are going through similar experiences. Peer-led groups or online communities allow you to share tips, ask questions, and feel a sense of belonging. These networks often provide emotional support, practical advice, and hope.

When should you seek help for your mental health?

You should seek help when you experience ongoing sadness, irritability, sleep or appetite changes, or lose interest in things you once enjoyed.

Living with a chronic illness is challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help. Knowing the signs can help you decide when it’s time for you or someone you love to reach out for support. Here are some common warning signs to look for:

• Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
• Getting irritated or angry more easily than usual
• Changes in sleep, like trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Eating much more or less than normal
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling tired all the time, even after resting
• Having trouble focusing or making decisions
• Suicidal ideation or fixation on death
• Self-medicating with alcohol or substance abuse

If you notice one or more of these signs lasting for more than a couple of weeks, it may be time to talk to a professional.

Remember, struggling with your mental health is not a sign of weakness—it’s something many people go through, especially when dealing with long-term illness. The most important thing to know is that help is available, and things can get better.

Pacific Health Group is here to help 

At Pacific Health Group, we believe that your mental wellness is just as important as your physical health. That’s why we take a holistic approach to care, looking at the whole person, not just the illness.

We offer a wide range of behavioral and mental health services, including individual therapy, family therapy, therapy for teens, and telehealth options that make it easy to get help from home. Our team understands what it’s like to live with chronic illness, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis or have been managing your condition for years, you don’t have to do it alone. If you or someone you care about is struggling, please call Pacific Health Group at 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com to learn more and get started today.