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Living with a chronic illness can be a daily challenge that impacts not just the body but also the mind. I have lived with Crohn’s disease and other chronic conditions for many years, and I have learned that managing your mental health is just as important as managing your physical symptoms. Chronic illness does not take a day off, and neither does the stress, anxiety, or depression that often comes with it. Over time, I have found ways to build resilience, find support, and maintain hope even when life feels overwhelming.
When you live with a chronic condition, you are constantly navigating doctors’ appointments, medications, and flare-ups. It can feel like you are trapped in an endless cycle of pain and uncertainty. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2023), people with chronic illnesses are more likely to experience depression and anxiety due to the ongoing stress of their condition. That is why understanding the connection between mental health and physical health is essential to overall well being.
For many of us, one of the most important steps is learning how to advocate for yourself. As a nurse and patient advocate, I have seen first-hand how communication with healthcare providers can make a difference. When I began opening up to my care team about my mental health, they helped me find resources like counseling, medication management, and mindfulness practices. Research shows that a strong provider-patient relationship can reduce feelings of isolation and improve treatment outcomes (American Psychological Association, 2022).
Support systems also play a major role in mental health. Whether it is family, friends, or online chronic illness communities, having people who understand your struggles makes a difference. Connecting with others who truly understand helps reduce the loneliness that often comes with invisible illnesses. Sharing my story through advocacy not only helps others feel less alone, but also helps me heal in the process.
Managing mental health while living with a chronic illness requires a balance of self awareness, self compassion, and routine. I have learned that it is okay to rest, to say no, and to seek help when it is needed. Finding joy in simple things like journaling, breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can bring peace when you might feel your body is out of control. Every day will not be perfect, but every small step toward taking care of yourself matters (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Living with chronic illness has taught me strength, patience, and empathy. It is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, we have the power to choose how we respond. Managing mental health is not about being happy all the time. It is about acknowledging the hard days and giving yourself grace through them. Healing takes time, but it is possible when you prioritize both your body and your mind (American Psychological Association, 2022).
American Psychological Association. (2022). Chronic illness and mental health: Recognizing and treating depression. https://www.apa.org
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Chronic illness and mental health: Recognizing and managing depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Myisha Malone-King is a BSN/BS a Crohn’s disease warrior, breast cancer survivor, and nationally recognized patient advocate dedicated to improving access to care for chronic illness communities. For more than 15 years, she has shared her story across major platforms including CNN, MSNBC, and Forbes, helping shape conversations around healthcare equity, mental health, and invisible illness.
