The Mental Illness and Chronic Disease Connection

Have you ever had an “off” day that was enough to make you want to ditch a healthy diet, forgo the gym or engage in unhealthy behaviors? Most people have and it isn’t something to be ashamed of. We all struggle from time to time. However, these milder experiences can give us a glimpse into how difficult it may be for those with a mental illness to keep up with a healthy lifestyle that will help to reduce their risk of chronic illness.  

A whopping 40% of the American population suffers from at least one chronic illness. These diseases include cancer, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and many more. Chronic diseases are long-term (and unwanted) guests and have an intimate cause and effect relationship with mental health struggles.  

In a seriously undesirable game of “chicken and egg,” those with chronic health conditions are likely to struggle with more anxiety and depression. Also, those who are already suffering from mental health issues are more likely to develop a chronic illness. Why the connection?  

In the example above, we referenced having an “off” day, which is normal for most of us here and there, and how difficult it is to feel motivated and capable. Having a mental illness means there are more “off” days than good ones much of the time, making it extremely difficult to have the energy and motivation to engage in healthy lifestyle habits. Those who consistently live out unhealthy habits are much more likely to develop a chronic illness at some point in their lifetime.  

On the flip side, having a chronic illness also makes it difficult to engage in activities that are great for mental health and wellness. Think: exercise, socializing and more. Many people with chronic illness feel ashamed that they are not able to take care of themselves. They may develop feelings of depression because they can’t participate in activities they were once passionate about. They may also feel like a burden to their families, leading to increased anxiety.   

Chronic illness impacts many Hoosiers and Hancock County residents. You may even have a chronic condition or a mental health struggle yourself. Although it can feel like a terrible feedback loop, there are ways to break through the cycle and come out on top. So much of it comes down to finding providers who understand the need to focus on both lifestyle habits as well as mental health and have the resources to support you along the way.  

Hancock Health offers a variety of options for those who are ready to take action in their lives. The Hancock Well-Being at Work program allows employers to provide services and resources to employees to help with their overall health and wellness, whether that means treating or lowering risks of developing a chronic illness. This includes employer clinics, wellness strategies, preventative screenings, pain management and more.  

We also have providers who are trained in lifestyle medicine and offer educational classes and workshops to help residents of Hancock County become healthier and well informed. Our Wellness Centers, located in Greenfield, McCordsville and New Palestine, offer Clinical Exercise Programming as well as Physician Referral Programs, dietitian support, support groups, classes and more. 

With so many options, we hope that our patients will take advantage of the chance to gain knowledge about creating a healthier life for themselves. If you suffer from mental health challenges or chronic illness, you aren’t alone and Hancock Health is here for you.