Understanding Mental Health and Mental Health Resources

Living with a chronic illness is about more than just physical symptoms. It also impacts how you think, feel, and act. For both patients and the people who care for them, mental health is a vital part of daily life.

Understanding mental health and chronic illness

Mental health is the range of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that affect your well-being and how you connect with others. Just like your physical health, your mental health is essential for functioning every day. Good mental health helps you cope with life's stresses and reach your full potential.

For those living with a chronic illness, mental health is a major concern. Rates of mental health issues are much higher in people with chronic conditions than in the general public. This happens for several reasons related to the illness, such as:¹

• Difficulty managing daily tasks
• Increased financial stress
• Living with chronic pain
• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Loss of the ability to work or function as before
• Negative side effects from medications used to treat the illness

It is important to remember that if you develop a mental health condition while managing a chronic illness, it is not your fault. Mental health can change over time and varies from person to person.¹

Common mental health conditions

Mental health challenges like stress, grief, and trauma can affect anyone. However, some people develop diagnosable conditions that require professional treatment. These conditions involve serious changes in mood, behavior, and the ability to participate in social or family activities.²

• Depression – This is more than just feeling "blue." It is a medical condition that affects how you think and act, often involving low moods, feelings of worthlessness, and sleep problems that last longer than 2 weeks.
• Anxiety disorders – Generalized anxiety disorder involves worrying about many things for an extended period of time. Panic disorder causes "panic attacks," which are brief episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like a pounding heart, sweating, and trouble breathing.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – This may develop after a scary or dangerous event. It can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and trouble with daily tasks.
• Bipolar disorder – This involves extreme shifts between low (depressed) and high (manic) moods.

Working with a therapist (talk therapy)

Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy or counseling, is a common treatment for mental health conditions. It involves an interactive relationship where you and a therapist work together to cope with mental health challenges as well as set goals.³

There are several types of talk therapy often used. A few examples are:³

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This focuses on turning negative thought patterns into positive, healthy ones.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This helps people build skills to manage painful emotions and improve relationships.
• Trauma-informed care – This focuses on recognizing and healing from deeply stressful events.

Understanding mental health medications

Many people take medicine for their mental health. Medications can help ease symptoms and support the work you do in therapy. They can include:⁴

• Antidepressants – These are used for depression but also for anxiety, pain, and sleep issues. Common types include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Anti-anxiety drugs – Often called benzodiazepines, these help with panic and extreme fear but can sometimes lead to dependence.
• Mood stabilizers – Lithium and certain anticonvulsants are used to manage bipolar disorder and reduce mood swings.

All medications can have side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, or sleepiness. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting any prescription.⁴

Complementary and integrative health

Complementary therapies and an integrative health approach are often used to treat mental health conditions. Complementary therapies include nontraditional therapies – such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga – that are used in addition to conventional medical treatments (like prescription drugs).⁵

Some mind and body practices can be performed at home on a daily basis. Some of these methods or techniques are performed by trained practitioners. New options for online or app-based products are also available. Some of these practices include:⁵

• Yoga
• Qigong
• Exercise
• Meditation or relaxation
• Acupuncture
• Hypnotherapy

Dietary supplements used in mental health treatment may include:⁶

• Herbs
• Vitamins and minerals
• Probiotics

The dietary supplement industry is worth billions of dollars, with more than 50,000 products worldwide. Research has been done on a few specific supplements, and some have shown promise for mental health. They include:⁶

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds, these may have health benefits for the brain. More research is needed in order to prove whether these may or may not help with mental health.
• Folate – Also called folic acid or vitamin B9, folate is needed for the body to perform different jobs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only 1 form of folate – Deplin (l-methylfolate) – for use in the treatment of depression and schizophrenia. Deplin has not been approved as a primary treatment, only as an additional form of treatment.

When it comes to the effects and safety of supplements, more needs to be learned, as well as their interactions with mental health medicines. Also, supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way other drugs are. This means that no outside agency confirms the ingredients or suggested dose.⁷

Suicide prevention: Knowing the signs

Suicide is a serious concern, especially for those facing the chronic stress of a medical condition. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.⁸

Warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include:⁹

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Giving away possessions or putting affairs in order
• A sudden switch from being very emotional to being very calm

If you are worried about a relative or friend, listen to them in private and ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. If they say yes, stay with them, remove any dangerous items, and call for help immediately.^8,9

Frequently asked questions about mental health

Mental health includes how you think, feel, and act. It can fall on a spectrum and vary for each person. You may have questions about mental health conditions, treatment options, and resources. Here are some common questions and answers about mental health conditions.

Who makes a mental health diagnosis?

Only medical and mental health professionals, like psychiatrists or psychologists, can officially diagnose a mental health condition. Online tools and friends' opinions are not enough.

Will insurance cover my care?

Most insurance is required by law to cover mental health services, but costs and limits vary. Call the number on your insurance card to find providers in your network. Government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare also offer benefits.¹⁰

Can I find a therapist who understands my identity?

Yes. Many professionals specialize in serving specific groups:¹¹

• LGBTQ+ community – Organizations like The Trevor Project and the LGBT National Help Center offer specific support.
• People of color – Resources like the Black Mental Health Alliance and Therapy for Latinx help patients find culturally competent providers.
• Veterans – The VA offers specific crisis lines and resources for those who have served.

Can medication help with my mental health struggles?

Some people successfully manage mental health conditions without prescription drugs. But some disorders or severe cases may require medicine. Combining psychotherapy with medicine can be an effective approach.⁴

There are many different medicines used to treat mental health conditions. Talk to your doctor about any medicine you may be taking or want to take.⁴

Finding support and resources

You do not have to manage these challenges alone. There are many organizations ready to help:

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Provides education, support groups, and a helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI.
• Mental Health America – Offers online screening tools and community-based programs.
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – Provides treatment locators to help you find care in your area.
• Crisis Text Line – Text "HOME" to 741-741 to reach a counselor at any time.

Managing a chronic illness is a long journey, but prioritizing your mental health can help you live well despite the challenges.

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: March 2024