2.6 Explain the psychological impact on individuals living with a longterm condition

This guide will help you answer 2.6 Explain the psychological impact on individuals living with a longterm condition.

Living with a long-term condition significantly affects an individual’s psychological health. Long-term conditions include diseases or health issues that persist for months or years, such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, asthma, and heart disease. These conditions can alter an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Understanding the psychological impact is important when providing care or support. Poorly managed mental health can worsen the physical aspects of the condition, making it harder for individuals to cope.

Emotional Challenges

Many individuals feel a rollercoaster of emotions after being diagnosed with a long-term condition. This is because the diagnosis can disrupt their sense of identity and their expectations for the future.

Common emotional responses include:

• Fear – A long-term condition can instil fear about what the future holds. Individuals may worry about loss of independence, worsening symptoms, or even death.
• Sadness – It is natural for individuals to grieve the life they had before the diagnosis. They might feel sadness about the limitations and changes their condition brings.
• Anger – Some individuals feel anger or frustration at their situation. They might ask, “Why me?” or feel that the situation is unfair.
• Guilt – Those with conditions like diabetes or lung disease may experience guilt, wondering if their lifestyle choices contributed to their illness.
• Shame – Certain conditions that are visible or socially stigmatised can make people feel embarrassed or ashamed.

If these emotions persist or intensify, they can lead to more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This highlights the importance of emotional support and counselling early on.

Loss of Independence

Long-term conditions often lead to lifestyle changes. Individuals who were once active and independent may feel they’ve lost control over their lives. For example:

• They may rely on carers or family members for help with everyday tasks.
• Mobility challenges could prevent them from going out alone.
• Using medical equipment, like wheelchairs or oxygen tanks, can feel restrictive.

This loss of independence can trigger feelings of helplessness. It may also reduce self-esteem and lead to social withdrawal.

Social Isolation

Social isolation is a common issue for individuals living with long-term conditions. Several factors contribute to this:

• Limited Mobility – Physical limitations or lack of accessible transport can make it hard to attend social events.
• Fatigue or Pain – Many long-term conditions cause exhaustion or chronic pain, reducing motivation to socialise.
• Stigma – Conditions such as mental illness or physical disabilities often carry stigma. Individuals may avoid social interactions to prevent judgment or pity.
• Financial Strain – Long-term conditions can lead to job loss or high treatment costs, limiting individuals’ ability to engage in activities that cost money.

This isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness. Over time, it increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

Impact on Self-Image

Living with a long-term condition can change how individuals see themselves. They may struggle with accepting their new reality, especially if their condition changes their physical appearance or ability to perform tasks they once excelled at.

Examples of self-image issues:

• Body Image – Conditions that involve visible scars, weight changes, or amputations can damage body confidence.
• Sense of Strength – Individuals often feel weaker or less capable, particularly if their job or hobbies were physically demanding.
• Identity – An individual’s identity might revolve around their health condition over time. Instead of being “Sarah the teacher,” they may feel like “Sarah with arthritis.”

These changes in self-image can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, or depression.

Financial and Employment Stress

Long-term conditions can disrupt an individual’s career, leading to financial insecurity. Many find that they can no longer work or must reduce their hours due to symptoms.

Psychological effects of financial stress:

• Anxiety over how to pay bills or afford necessary treatments.
• Shame or embarrassment about asking for financial aid.
• Fear of losing their home or supporting their family.

Unemployment or changing roles can also affect an individual’s sense of purpose and self-worth, especially if working helped define their identity.

Development of Anxiety and Depression

Living with a long-term condition increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression. This is partly due to physical and lifestyle changes, but also because of the uncertainty these conditions bring.

Anxiety stems from constant worry about symptoms worsening, financial pressures, or fear of medical treatments. For example, individuals with chronic pain may dread the next flare-up.

Depression often develops as individuals feel overwhelmed by the reality of their situation. They may struggle to find reasons to stay optimistic or feel detached from activities they used to enjoy. Depression can make the individual feel trapped and have thoughts of self-harm.

Importance of Mental Health Support

Mental health support is essential for anyone living with a chronic condition. Without intervention, psychological distress can worsen their overall wellbeing.

Options for support:

• Professional Counselling – Trained counsellors can help individuals explore their feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
• Group Therapy – Sharing experiences with others going through similar challenges can provide comfort.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.

Talking to someone supportive can help individuals gain a healthier outlook on living with their condition.

Positive Psychological Impacts

Despite the challenges, some individuals experience positive psychological effects from living with a long-term condition. Over time, they develop resilience and appreciation for life.

Here are a few examples:

• Personal Growth – Many individuals find strength they didn’t know they had. They learn to overcome difficulties and adapt to their new reality.
• Deeper Connections – Relying on others for help may lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
• Prioritising Life – Some individuals gain a better sense of what matters, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying hobbies.

Care workers can support individuals in discovering these positive aspects without invalidating their struggles.

How Care Workers Can Help

Professionals in health and social care play a key role in managing the psychological impact of long-term conditions. Their kindness, patience, and understanding can make a significant difference.

Ways care workers can provide support:

• Listening – Sometimes, individuals just need someone to hear their worries without judgment.
• Encouraging Independence – Helping individuals perform tasks themselves boosts their self-confidence.
• Providing Information – Knowing what to expect from their condition and treatment plans can reduce anxiety.
• Creating Social Opportunities – Organising group activities can help reduce feelings of isolation.
• Signposting – Guiding individuals to support networks or mental health professionals may give them hope.

Supporting mental health alongside physical health creates a balanced approach that promotes better overall wellbeing for the individual.

Final Thoughts

The psychological impact of living with a long-term condition is varied and complex. It affects emotional health, independence, social connections, self-image, and financial security. Addressing these areas improves the overall quality of life for the individual.

Care workers have a unique opportunity to offer emotional support and connect individuals to resources that reduce their psychological distress. Helping people see the positives, even in difficult situations, can encourage emotional adjustment and strength for the future.