Chronic Health Issues & Disabilities

It can be difficult to manage the emotions and complications that come with living with a disability or an ongoing health issue. Explore this guide to learn ways to manage and cope with challenges related to your health.

Woman who uses a wheelchair and a man sitting and talking

What are chronic health issues and disabilities?

Anyone can face a chronic health issue or disability, and they often impact people's mental health and overall functioning. Chronic health issues are long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing medical care; disabilities are conditions that limit a person's interactions with the world through impairments of body or mind functions. Health issues in general can create a myriad of life challenges, including financial stress, unemployment, and family conflict, and may influence your mental well-being.

Nearly half of the U.S. population has at least one chronic health issue. They’re even more common among adults 65 or older—80% have at least one, and 68% have two or more issues. These challenges usually require support or ongoing care and can make it difficult to enjoy daily life. Cancer, heart disease, pain, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's are common examples.

One out of four U.S. adults live with at least one disability. Disabilities can impair body or mind functions, limit common activities like seeing or hearing, or restrict participation in daily activities such as work and social life. These can be temporary or ongoing; observed or “hidden.” Disabilities can affect people in a variety of ways, and even the same disability might affect two people differently.

If you have a disability, you might experience changes in your vision, movement, thinking, memory and learning—any of which could affect how you communicate to others, how you navigate your relationships, and your overall mental health.

Chronic health conditions and disabilities look different for everyone, but it's normal to experience a variety of emotions as a result of health challenges, including sadness, loneliness, grief, anger, and more. If you're feelings any of these things while facing a chronic health diagnosis or coping with a disability, there are many ways to take care of your mental health as well.

How does my chronic illness or disability impact my mental health?

A chronic illness or disability often takes a lot of time, energy, and resources to manage. Many experience frequent pain and fatigue. Stress over finances, scheduling, childcare, and employment are common experiences among those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. You may lose touch with the things you once enjoyed, especially if they are directly related to your condition (like losing the ability to play a sport). This can cause grief as you adjust to the changes.

Many experience unwarranted shame, embarassment, and negative self-talk related to their chronic illnesses and disabilities, especially without support and community. Conditions like these can be isolating and you may face unsympathetic, even phobic attitudes from people around you. Sadness and loneliness can be associated with chronic illnesses and disabilities, which can lead to more serious conditions like depression. Substance use to cope with the physical sensations from a chronic illness, or a disability is not uncommon and should be addressed through professional support.

Chronic health issues can arise from a combination of genetic, physical, environmental and lifestyle factors. Chronic conditions last more than a year and require ongoing medical attention. They may also limit your ability to do day-to-day activities.

Biological factors such as aging, genetics and our physical environment can play a role in chronic health issues, too. Certain behaviors such as using tobacco, eating a poor diet, having a sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise or physical activity) and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also cause or contribute to health challenges.

Disabilities have many causes, including injuries or conditions you’re born with; however, chronic health issues are the leading cause of disabilities in the U.S. When a chronic condition affects your body or mind to a degree in which your everyday activities and interactions are limited, it can be considered a disability. For example, diabetes might lead to vision loss, or anxiety could prevent you from being able to do your job.

What are some emotions, moods, and life experiences associated with chronic health issues and disabilities?

Chronic health issues and disabilities intersect with many different emotions, like loneliness and sadness. They can also be associated with tough life challenges. Take a closer look at some of these related experiences.

How can I manage my mental health while coping with a chronic health issue or disability?

As people age, they are more likely to continually develop health challenges that may be disabling. Being diagnosed with a chronic health issue or developing a disability are major changes that may trigger feelings of loss for the way life used to be.

It’s important to allow yourself to experience your emotions so you can accept reality and move forward. It’s also important to understand that while aging and chronic health conditions are normal, there are still ways to feel in control of your medical situation so that it has minimal interference with the life you want to live.

Though the transition can be difficult, it is possible for you to manage—and even lessen—the impact of your conditions on your emotional health. Looking for moments of gratitude, keeping up with your medical care, getting support from family and friends and prioritizing your well-being can help you thrive and enjoy your life. Mental health professionals can also help you with this transition.

Depending on your situation, there may also be legal protections and government resources available for navigating the workplace, accessing health care or dealing with financial issues, which could alleviate some of the stress.

Things to Try

Coping with and managing your mental health while dealing with a chronic health issue or a disability can be overwhelming. Explore these activities to find some relief in the moment.

Write down a few things you're grateful for

Ask for support from friends and family

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Create a sleep routine

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Invest in a weighted blanket

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More Things To Try

How can I help a loved one cope with a chronic illness or disability?

There are many ways you can support a loved one who has chronic health conditions or lives with a disability:

Talk about it. Your loved ones might try to put on a happy face and “just get through it,” but don’t be afraid to ask how they’re (really) feeling. If they open up, echo back their feelings. For example, if they mention having limited interaction with others, say, “That sounds isolating”—this validates what they’re saying and allows you to connect more deeply. Use empathy and practice being non-judgmental.
Challenge stereotypes. Your loved one may face unfair treatment based on unfounded beliefs by others or in the workplace. This can make them feel helpless or unimportant and may limit their options and interactions. You have a unique opportunity to counter the stereotypes and help others understand their biases while at the same time supporting your loved one in developing skills and independence. Help them find things they enjoy, and do some of those things together.

Be mindful of language. Don’t be afraid to talk about health issues or disabilities, but do be mindful of your language. If it's relevant to mention these characteristics at all, use terms like "person with a disability" instead of "special needs" or "differently abled." Respect and observe the language preferences of your loved one, and aim to help them feel empowered with how you speak.
Take care of yourself. If you’re a caregiver, prioritize your well-being—for yourself, and your loved one. While it can be hard to delegate, no one can (or should) do it all alone. Try delegating specific tasks or time blocks, and consider a shared schedule or online support groups like Caring.com Resource Center for additional support. Make time for yourself and for supporting your own mental health—being a caregiver can sometimes take a toll on your mindset.
Encourage additional support. If your loved one is experiencing emotional distress or isolation, encourage them to consider therapy or group therapy. Being around people with similar struggles may help them feel less alone, and they can receive support beyond what loved ones can provide. Help connect them to resources if they’re open to it.

How to talk about disabilities

Caring.com Resource Center

What resources are available for coping with a chronic illness or disability?

Dealing with chronic health issues or disabilities can bring about unexpected challenges and emotions. It's normal to want support in dealing with your health issues. Remember you aren't alone--there are resources available to help you thrive now and in the future.

Helpline
24-hour Deaf Crisis Line | DeafLEAD
Helpline | Online Live Chat
Disability and Information Access Line (DIAL) | Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Online directory | Support group
Find Support Groups | Mental Health America

More Resources

What are some mental health conditions that can be associated with chronic health issues or disabilities?

Learn more about the mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress that are associated with chronic health issues and disabilities.

Citations

National Council on Aging. Top 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults