Coping With Chronic Illness: What Goes Wrong

1. Unrealistic expectations. People with chronic illnesses often have unrealistic expectations about what they can and cannot do. They may expect to be able to do everything they could do before they were sick, or they may believe that they will never be able to do anything again. This can lead to frustration, disappointment, and despair.

2. Lack of social support. People with chronic illnesses often lack social support. They may not have family or friends who understand what they are going through, or they may feel isolated and alone. This can make it difficult to cope with the challenges of chronic illness.

3. Financial difficulties. Chronic illnesses can be expensive to treat. People with chronic illnesses may have to pay for doctor visits, medications, and other medical expenses. This can put a strain on their finances and make it difficult to make ends meet.

4. Employment problems. People with chronic illnesses may have difficulty finding and keeping a job. They may be unable to work full-time, or they may need to take time off for doctor visits or flare-ups of their illness. This can make it difficult to earn a living and support themselves.

5. Mental health problems. People with chronic illnesses are at an increased risk for mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. This is because chronic illnesses can be isolating, stressful, and frustrating. Mental health problems can make it even more difficult to cope with the challenges of chronic illness.

6. Lack of access to quality care. Some people with chronic illnesses do not have access to quality care. This can be due to financial problems, lack of insurance, or living in a rural area. Lack of access to quality care can make it difficult to manage chronic illnesses and can lead to serious health problems.