In the grand narrative of health, the focus often lands squarely on physical symptoms, treatments, and recoveries. But what about the silent partner in this dance with illness – mental health? It’s a vital but often overlooked aspect of the healing journey. Getting sick can profoundly impact our mental well-being, whether it’s a common cold, the flu, a chronic condition, or something more severe. Let’s delve into this often unspoken reality.
The Isolation Effect
When illness strikes, it can feel like you’re suddenly inhabiting a solitary island in a vast ocean. Even surrounded by well-meaning friends and family, the experience can be intensely isolating. Physical symptoms can make it difficult to engage in social activities, leaving you feeling disconnected from your support network. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, which can, in turn, exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones.
The Correlations
We are prone to think of a physical illness as something that is terminal, does not have a cure, or will linger for years. There is research that supports that what we consider mild physical illnesses can also have an impact on the start of symptoms of a mental health disorder. Recent research shows that getting the flu has a swift impact on our mental health. For example,
- A study published in the Journal of Infection, titled “Association between influenza infection and mental health outcomes in South Korean adults,” investigated the association between influenza infection and mental health outcomes in adults. The results showed a significant association between influenza infection and increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- In a different study published in the European Respiratory Journal, “Impact of influenza on adults hospitalized with community-acquired Pneumonia,” the researchers examined the impact of influenza infection on adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. The findings indicated that influenza infection was associated with higher rates of psychological distress and impaired quality of life during hospitalization and after discharge.
- Tsai, Shih-Jen, et al. found that influenza infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of depression during hospitalization. This study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, explored the association between influenza infection and depression among hospitalized adults in Taiwan.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer compared the psychological morbidity and quality of life in patients with benign and malignant breast disease. The study titled “Psychological morbidity and quality of life in patients with benign and malignant breast disease” found that patients with malignant breast disease experienced higher levels of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, compared to those with benign disease.
Another study looking into the correlations between cancer and mental health symptoms focused on examining depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. The study published in Gynecologic Oncology and titled “Depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer” revealed high rates of depression and anxiety among patients with ovarian cancer, which were associated with poorer quality of life.
In a study published in Psycho-Oncology titled “The Psychological Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis on Families: The Influence of family functioning and Patients’ illness characteristics on Depression and Anxiety”, the researchers investigated the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on families, including the influence of family functioning and patients’ illness characteristics on depression and anxiety. The results demonstrated that both patient and family factors were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety among family members.
These studies provide evidence supporting the correlation between physical illnesses and compromised mental health. From everyday mild illnesses such as influenza infections to profound physical diagnoses such as cancer, the results are adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and impaired quality of life. Understanding this correlation is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to individuals affected by influenza and mental health issues.
Uncertainty and Anxiety
The unknown can be a breeding ground for anxiety, and illness often brings a plethora of uncertainties. Will this treatment work? How long will recovery take? What if things get worse? These questions can swirl in your mind, feeding anxiety and stress. The constant worry about your health and future can take a toll on your mental well-being, leading to sleep disturbances, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Loss of Control
One of the most challenging aspects of being sick is the feeling of losing control over your body and your life. Whether it’s being bedridden with the flu or facing a chronic illness that alters your daily routine, the sense of powerlessness can be profound. This loss of control can trigger feelings of frustration, anger, and even depression as you grapple with the reality of your situation.
Impact on Self-Identity
Our health is intricately tied to our sense of self. When illness strikes, it can shake the very foundation of who we are. Suddenly, roles may shift – from caregiver to patient, from active to inactive, from independent to reliant on others. This shift in identity can be disorienting and challenging to navigate, leading to feelings of worthlessness or a loss of purpose.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
In the midst of illness, it’s easy to be hard on yourself – to push through the pain, to berate yourself for not being stronger, to feel guilty for burdening others. But now, more than ever, is the time for self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge your limitations without judgment. Allow yourself to rest and heal. Seek support from loved ones, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals if you’re struggling to cope.
Finding Meaning in the Midst of Illness
While illness can be a profound challenge, it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It forces us to slow down, reevaluate our priorities, and cherish the moments of joy and connection we often take for granted. In the midst of pain and suffering, there can be moments of profound beauty and resilience. Hold onto those moments. Find meaning in the struggle.
Conclusion
Getting sick is not just a physical experience; it’s a holistic journey that impacts every aspect of our well-being, including our mental health. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional toll of illness, we can better support ourselves and each other through these challenging times. So, let’s break and recognize that mental health matters – especially when we’re feeling under the weather. Adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and impaired quality of life, can happen with any physical illness, even short-term illnesses. Understanding this correlation is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to individuals affected by influenza and mental health issues. If you are needing support with your mental health, you can see a mental health professional. At Therapy Treatment Team, https://www.therapytreatmentteam.com/, we specialize in many clinical interventions, including support for physical illnesses.
Dr. Yaro Garcia
Hello, I am Dr. Garcia, please call me Yaro. My degrees are in clinical psychology and I am a licensed mental health counselor. My approach is caring, warm, safe, non-judgmental, and straight forward. It is a difficult decision to seek therapy, I take time to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with you…
References
Park, Hyeon Chang et al. “Association between influenza infection and mental health outcomes in South Korean adults.” Journal of infection vol. 79,3 (2019): 245-252. PubMed
Walters, J A et al. “Impact of influenza on adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.” European respiratory journal vol. 45,1 (2015): 214-22. PubMed
Tsai, Shih-Jen et al. “Influenza and depression: results from a study of hospitalized adults in Taiwan.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 144,1-2 (2013): 75-82. PubMed
Burgess, Caroline et al. “Psychological morbidity and quality of life in patients with benign and malignant breast disease.” British Journal of Cancer vol. 71,5 (1995): 1273-1278. PubMed
Oonk, Maaike H M et al. “Depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.” Gynecologic oncology vol. 118,1 (2010): 25-30. PubMed
Hinnen, Chris et al. “The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on families: The influence of family functioning and patients’ illness characteristics on depression and anxiety.” Psycho-oncology vol. 19,11 (2010): 1178-85. PubMed
