Chronic Illness and Mental Health

Many chronic illnesses have a mental health aspect to them. Health limitations and isolation can cause us to develop reactive depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety can also be chronic illnesses in of themselves as are many other mental illnesses.

The stigma of mental illness is less now then in in the past. However, some cultures and older people tend to view depression or anxiety as a character fault rather than a legitimate health issue. Those views can cause people to delay or resist getting help. Unfortunately, people can live with debilitating mental health problems without getting commonly available assistance.

Medication can be a first step in stabilizing chemical imbalances in the brain. Counseling can help us to learn coping skills and to deal with underlying issues. Good life skills such as, a healthy diet, regular sleep, socializing and exercise can help our bodies to be healthier and allow our minds to recover.

Reaching out to access the available help can increase the quality of your life. http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp