Another Piece of the Puzzle: How Therapy can help with Chronic Illnesses
Living with a chronic illness can be a challenging journey, one that often takes a toll not only on the body but also on the mind and spirit. The emotional and psychological impact of chronic illness is often underestimated, yet it can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms themselves. In this blog post, graduate student intern Rylee will explore how psychotherapy can play a vital role in helping individuals cope with chronic illnesses and improve their overall quality of life, and how it has helped her on her path to being diagnosed with endometriosis.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, PCOS, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, and other chronic pain conditions can be relentless. They bring not only physical discomfort but also a myriad of emotional and psychological challenges. Individuals living with chronic illnesses often experience:
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Depression and Anxiety
The ongoing nature of chronic illnesses can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness. Anxiety about the future and the unpredictability of symptoms can also take a significant toll.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Loss and Grief
Chronic illness can bring significant life changes, such as reduced mobility limitations on daily activities, and not being able to reach life milestones that the client may have wanted to reach. Coping with these changes can result in feelings of grief and loss.
Photo by Sasha Freemind
Isolation and Loneliness
Managing a chronic illness may require lifestyle adjustments that limit social activities and connections. This isolation can lead to loneliness and a sense of being misunderstood by others, including friends, family, and significant others. 
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Stress Management
Dealing with chronic pain, medication regimens, and doctor's appointments can be incredibly stressful, which can exacerbate the physical symptoms of the illness.Talk therapy or counseling can offer individuals living with chronic illnesses a safe and supportive space to address their emotional and psychological needs. Here are some ways in which psychotherapy can be beneficial:
Emotional Coping:
Therapists can help clients navigate the emotional roller coaster of chronic illness by providing strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Coping Skills
Clients can learn effective coping skills, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and what kind of self-care works for them to better handle the challenges that chronic illness presents.
Grief and Loss Processing
Therapists can assist in processing feelings of loss and grief related to the changes brought about by the illness, helping individuals find meaning and acceptance.
Communication Skills
Improved communication with healthcare providers, loved ones, and support networks is crucial for managing a chronic illness effectively. Psychotherapy can enhance these skills.
Social Support
Group therapy or support groups tailored to individuals with specific chronic illnesses can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Empowerment
Psychotherapy empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their illness, promoting a sense of control and self-efficacy.
Living with a chronic illness is a unique and often challenging experience that encompasses not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological hurdles. Therapy can be a valuable tool in helping individuals navigate these challenges, offering support, coping strategies, and a space for emotional healing. By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic illness, individuals can enhance their overall quality of life, find strength in their resilience, and better manage the journey toward wellness. If you or someone you know is living with a chronic illness, consider exploring psychotherapy as a means to facilitate emotional healing and enhance your ability to cope with the challenges ahead.
Meet the Author: Rylee Powers
Rylee is a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University for her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is interested in working with clients who deal with chronic illness, interpersonal problems, and anxiety and/or depression.
She is currently accepting clients in person or telehealth on Mondays and Thursdays, or telehealth only on Wednesdays. Interested to work with Rylee?
Contact Niina Bacha to schedule your therapeutic fit call today support@spacebetweencounselingservices.com or call 443-240-5207