Living with Chronic Illness | How Counselling Can Help

What is Chronic Illness?

Living with Chronic Illness Counselling

Living with a chronic illness brings both physical and emotional challenges. Whether it’s managing symptoms, adapting to lifestyle changes, or dealing with the long-term emotional toll, counselling can provide invaluable support.

But first we need to understand what do we mean by a chronic disease? 

What is Chronic Illness?

Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that persist over time and typically require ongoing medical treatment. These conditions are often degenerative, leading to gradual changes in vital organ systems, but they can be managed with proper care.

According to the National Population Health Survey 2020 by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), some of the most common chronic illnesses in Singapore include diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Hypertension affects approximately 21.5% of adults aged 18 to 69, while diabetes affects around 8.6% of the population(Ministry of Health)(Regis Medical). These numbers underscore the growing need for proper chronic illness management and mental health support.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that chronic illnesses, also known as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), are a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 71% of all deaths annually. Chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes significantly impact the quality of life for millions(Regis Medical). For more information on chronic disease management, visit the WHO website on chronic diseases.

Types of Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses include a range of conditions that require constant care and management. The most common include:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot effectively regulate blood sugar levels. It requires daily management through medication, lifestyle changes, and careful monitoring.

Heart Disease

Heart disease includes a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, often requiring medication, lifestyle adjustments, and long-term care

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is a chronic condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Managing hypertension requires medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

 Chronic Kidney Disease (Dialysis)

Chronic kidney disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function, often necessitating dialysis to remove waste from the body.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Types include osteoarthritis, which is due to wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects joint tissues.

Fibromyalgia

A condition characterised by widespread pain and fatigue, often accompanied by sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties.

Anemia

A condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

HIV

HIV attacks the immune system, leading to long-term health complications. While it is manageable with antiretroviral therapy, living with HIV involves significant emotional and psychological challenges.

Causes of Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition
• Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and smoking
• Environmental influences, such as pollution
• Coexisting health conditions, such as hypertension or obesity

Symptoms of Chronic Illnesses

Each chronic illness presents unique symptoms, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Physical pain or discomfort
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
• Changes in mobility or independence

Chronic Illness and Mental Health

Chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on mental health. Conditions like anxiety and depression often accompany chronic illness due to the emotional burden of managing ongoing symptoms and limitations. The relationship between chronic illness and mental health is complex—stress from living with an illness can worsen mental health, while poor mental health can make it more difficult to manage the illness.

H2: Sources of Stress for People with Chronic Illnesses

Living with chronic illness can create various sources of stress, such as:

• Medical treatments and appointments
• Financial strain due to ongoing healthcare costs
• Loss of independence and difficulty completing daily tasks
• Impact on relationships with family, friends, and caregivers

When to Seek Therapy

Therapy is recommended if chronic illness is affecting your mental health, relationships, or ability to work. Counselling can help manage the emotional burden, offering tools for stress relief, coping mechanisms, and emotional resilience.

Self-Help Tips for Living with Chronic Illness

• Practice Spoon Theory: This metaphor helps explain the limited energy people with chronic illness often experience. Plan your day by allocating “spoons” (units of energy) to tasks, being mindful not to overextend yourself.
• Build a support system: Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, or a support group.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises can help manage stress.
• Adhere to treatment plans: Stay committed to your medical regimen with adherence counselling.
• Eat a balanced diet: Consider a healthy diet rich in nutrients to support overall well-being. Refer to recommended chronic illness diet lists from your healthcare provider.
• Exercise within limits: Gentle physical activity can improve mood and mobility.

 Resources

• HealthHub Singapore: Chronic Disease Management
• WHO: Chronic Disease Management Guidelines
• Diabetes Singapore: Support Groups for Diabetics

FAQs: Living with Chronic Illness

What is the difference between chronic illness and acute illness?

Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that last for years and often for life, requiring ongoing management. Acute illnesses develop suddenly and are typically short-term, resolving with treatment. For example, a heart attack is an acute condition, while heart disease is a chronic illness.

What is the difference between chronic illness and critical illness?

Critical illnesses, such as cancer or stroke, are life-threatening conditions that require urgent and intensive medical care. Chronic illnesses, while long-term, are typically not immediately life-threatening but require ongoing management.

How does chronic illness affect mental health?

Chronic illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress due to the emotional burden of managing symptoms, limitations, and changes in daily life. At Listening Ear, we provide counselling to address both the physical and mental aspects of living with chronic conditions.

How does chronic illness affect relationships?

Chronic illness can strain relationships due to the changes in lifestyle, emotional distress, and caregiving responsibilities. Therapy helps individuals and families navigate these challenges, improving communication and understanding.

How does chronic illness affect a person psychologically?

Chronic illness can cause psychological distress, leading to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and isolation. It can also affect self-esteem and identity as individuals adjust to new limitations. Counselling can provide emotional support and coping strategies to manage these feelings.

Is asthma a chronic illness?

Yes, asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and breathing. It requires long-term management, often involving medications and lifestyle adjustments.

Are migraines a chronic illness?

Migraines can be classified as a chronic illness when they occur frequently and disrupt daily life. Chronic migraines are defined as having at least 15 headache days per month over a period of three months, with at least 8 of those days being migraines. At Listening Ear, we provide support for managing the emotional toll migraines can take on mental health and well-being.

Can chronic illnesses be prevented?

While not all chronic illnesses can be prevented, lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of developing many chronic conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is the Spoon Theory for chronic illness?

The Spoon Theory is a metaphor used to describe the limited energy available to people living with chronic illness. Each task or activity uses a certain number of “spoons” (units of energy), and managing this limited supply requires careful planning and prioritisation.

Are chronic illnesses disabilities?

Many chronic illnesses can be classified as disabilities, depending on their impact on an individual’s ability to perform daily activities or work. At Listening Ear, we help individuals navigate the emotional and practical aspects of managing chronic illness and disability.

Chronic Disease vs Chronic Condition: What’s the difference?

The terms “chronic disease” and “chronic condition” are often used interchangeably. However, a chronic disease usually refers to medical diagnoses like diabetes or heart disease, while chronic conditions can also include long-term issues such as pain or mobility challenges without a clear medical diagnosis.

Can chronic disease cause depression?

Yes, chronic diseases can contribute to depression due to the stress of managing long-term symptoms, lifestyle changes, and the impact on daily life. If you are experiencing depression related to chronic illness, counselling can provide support and coping strategies.