Dealing with Physical Health Issues

Sometimes when we have a mental health concern, we feel it manifest physically in our bodies. The same can be said when we are not feeling well physically – this often affects our mental health. Being in constant pain, takes a toll. The anxiety that comes with a life-threatening diagnosis can persist long after the physical threat has left. There are a number of health conditions that might lead you to seek support from a therapist. They include:

• Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease that generally occurs in older adults, and it can cause memory loss and impairment, mood swings, disorientation and other serious problems. Alzheimer’s is an issue that seriously affects not only the person who has been diagnosed with the disorder, but also that person’s loved ones & caregivers. Someone with mid-to-late stage Alzheimer’s requires continuous care and monitoring.
• Brain injury: A traumatic brain injury can cause more than just memory loss, problems concentrating and other seemingly “physical” characteristics; it can cause emotional and psychological issues as well. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, the person who has suffered it may benefit from counselling in order to get back to an even emotional or psychological state.
• Dyslexia: is the popular term for Developmental Reading Disorder. This disorder causes problems with word comprehension, reading, spelling, and following instructions, despite normal or above level intelligence. It is classified as a cognitive disorder, and often appears as a diagnosis alongside Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dyslexia occurs in roughly 5% of people, making it one of the most common cognitive/learning disorders.
• Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. Whether you are helping assist a family member or loved one through a cancer diagnosis, or you yourself are living with cancer, you may benefit from help in the form of cancer support therapy.
• Handling chronic illness and pain Chronic illness and chronic pain are two different things, although both can occur at the same time. For example, a chronic illness such as osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain. However, the two can also appear separately. Regardless, while the symptoms of a chronic illness or chronic pain can be managed, emotional or psychological issues can still occur.
• Insomnia is a sleep disorder where the sufferer is unable to fall asleep or stay asleep for a healthy amount of time. Insomniacs may have continuous trouble falling asleep, and once sleep occurs, may wake up multiple times or wake up extremely early and be unable to fall back asleep. Over a long period of time, Insomnia can cause physical and mental fatigue, as well as double vision and hallucinations. Insomnia may also be a sign or symptom of a other mental or physical issues.
• Turner’s Syndrome is the result of a chromosomal abnormality and occurs only in females. It is usually diagnosed when the child is in utero, and there are no methods of prevention. Those with Turner Syndrome have a number of similar physical characteristics, as well as health-related issues. Some of those issues can involve cognitive disorders, such as ADHD. There is no cure for Turner Syndrome; however, some of the cognitive issues can be treated.
• 5 Alpha Reductase Syndrome is a condition that results in genetic abnormalities relating to the Y-chromosome. Those with this condition are genetically male but have some female reproductive organs. As a result, they are considered intersex. It is not unusual for someone with this syndrome to be raised as one gender, but then choose another once reaching adulthood. Although the syndrome is genetic, it can cause psychological issues at any age, including feelings isolation from not fully identifying either gender. These feelings of isolation can lead to additional mental and emotional problems.

 When is it time to get help?

If your physical ailment is causing you to suffer emotionally – whether that’s an actual symptom or the anxiety resulting from the condition or diagnosis, you should seek treatment. There is a definite connection between mental and physical health and once you’re able to cope better emotionally, and depending on your ailment, there’s a chance your physical condition may also improve.

There are many different treatment methods that can help you as you deal with your physical health concern.

You and your therapist can decide on the best method of treatment for you and your condition. They may include therapies for depression, anxiety and more.