Depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness and many people with health issues experience depression at some point in their lives. In fact It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition experience symptoms of depression
If you have a long-term health condition, cognitive behavioural therapy could help improve your mood as well as improving your self-care, thereby making your condition easier to manage and your life of better quality.
Chronic health conditions last a year or longer and may require on-going care and support and can include: respiratory conditions, chronic pain, heart conditions, diabetes or digestive disorders amongst others.
A chronic condition may affect the quality of your life in a number of ways such as:
- affecting sleep patterns
- causing depression
- the ability to work
- being more dependent on others
- accessing support and appropriate information
- influencing mobility
- how you see yourself e.g. body image
- feeling socially isolated
Through using psychological therapy as part of your wellbeing strategy, we can help you manage your health-related depression by working with you to:
- motivate you to improve your quality of life
- set realistic goals
- limit psychological distress
- become more informed about your condition in order to cope better
- maintain positive results
