The Toll Chronic Illness Has on the Mental Health of Women 

By Empowered Connections, LLC

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The Toll Chronic Illness Has on the Mental Health of Women 

Chronic physical illness can be disabling to one’s everyday life. What is not discussed is how psychologically impactful it is, too.  When it’s a woman managing chronic illness, the effects multiply. The toll being exacted might be related to the illness itself. For example, certain medications needed for chronic illness can alter one’s mood and mental state. 

Less obvious though, is the emotional drain involved. Women are most often the caretakers of the home and family. They live under certain societal expectations. As a result, something like cardiovascular disease or cancer impacts them in many invisible ways.

Anyone with a chronic illness may struggle with depression and fear death. Women in particular, might feel guilt and shame. They cannot always do what is expected of them, which can be culturally difficult to accept. A study done in England found that at least 30% of those with a chronic illness were diagnosed with coexisting mental health disorders.

It’s not fair — not even close — but women are caregivers. An inability to fulfill this role is correlated to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. They may push themselves to do more than they should because they believe they simply do not have time to be sick. All of this adds up to potentially worsen the chronic illness. A cycle is created that can guarantee that the illness sticks around longer while guilt increases.

While it’s tempting to downplay the illness and keep pushing, this is counterproductive. Studies find that women with a chronic illness who seek social support and develop coping skills are more mentally healthy than those who do not. Here are a few suggestions for moving in that direction:

Identify What is Within Your Control: Practice self-care, avoid negative people, and do lots of self-education.
Keep a Journal: Monitor your symptoms and triggers. This will come in handy when seeing your physician and/or your therapist. 
Get Yourself a Health Advocate: We still have a long way to go until women get the same level of health care as men. Recruit a strong ally.
Lighten Your Load: Let go of anything that is not urgent. Scratch it off your to-do list, and don’t hesitate to ask others for help. 
Communicate With Your Family: Your illness affects them, too. Encourage everyone to be open about what they’re feeling. When you work as a loving unit, you reduce resentment, guilt, and misunderstandings. 
Find a Support Group: It could be in-person, online, or a little of both. Connecting with people who “get it” is a game-changer. 

In a more abstract vein, remain diligent not to let the illness alter your self-image for the worse. It does not define you or change your identity. Therapy is an ideal setting for keeping things in proper perspective.