Chronic Illness and Depression

Living with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), can change your life in many ways. Not only are you trying to manage your health, you may find it harder to manage home, work or school responsibilities. Your illness might affect your physical abilities and independence. Physical and emotional stress can magnify your symptoms and may lead to depression.

Although it is normal to feel some stress and sadness when managing a chronic illness, you should contact a doctor or health care professional if these feelings linger or increase. There is help for managing stress and treating depression, and treatment can be covered under your health plan benefits.

Most of the common symptoms of stress and depression are the same:

• Aches and pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease with the appropriate treatment
• Being tired all the time
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Muscle tension
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed
• Ongoing sad, anxious or empty feelings
• Restlessness or irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Having good coping strategies and finding support are key interventions. If you or a family member have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor or another health care professional immediately. It is important to deal with the stress, and treat both the chronic illness and depression at the same time.