PSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH A  SERIOUS OR CHRONIC DISEASE

A serious diagnosis can affect our whole life and mental wellbeing. Dealing with a serious or chronic illness can lead to psychological difficulties including:

• Depression: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, low energy, low mood, sleep, appetite and reduced interest in normal activities.
  
• Anxiety: Worrying about the future, your health, treatment options or the progression of a disease.
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder manifested by re-experiencing the event, nightmares, anxiety and avoidance of situations that resemble the trauma.
• Social isolation: Chronic illness can lead to limitations in an individual's ability to engage in social activities and maintain social relationships. This leads to feelings of loneliness, isolation and reduced self-esteem.
• Loss of identity: Loss of skills that used to constitute identity and changes in lifestyle lead to feelings of confusion and questions about the meaning of life.