Is It Normal to Feel Depressed After a Chronic Illness Diagnosis?

Yes, it can be understandable to feel sad, overwhelmed, angry, or discouraged after receiving a chronic illness diagnosis. Your health may have changed, but so can your plans, routines, relationships, independence, and expectations for the future. These changes can take time to process.

However, feeling depressed does not mean you simply have to accept it as part of living with chronic illness. Depression is treatable, even when someone is also managing a long-term medical condition.

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Why Can a Chronic Illness Diagnosis Affect Your Mood?

A diagnosis can create uncertainty about your health and future. You may have to adjust to new medications, medical appointments, physical limitations, changes at work, or relying more on other people.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that people with chronic disease have a higher risk of developing depression. Stress, anxiety, challenges caused by the illness, and some medications can contribute to depression.

Is This Sadness or Depression?

Sadness after a major health change can be part of adjusting to what happened. Depression is different when symptoms persist and begin interfering with everyday functioning.

Possible signs include:

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or helpless most of the time
• Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
• Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy
• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Feeling excessive guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Withdrawing from family, friends, work, or activities

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What If My Physical Symptoms Look Like Depression?

Chronic illness itself, medications, sleep problems, pain, and depression can sometimes produce similar symptoms. That is why you should not try to diagnose yourself based only on how you feel.

If changes in your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, or concentration continue, talk with your healthcare provider or a qualified mental health professional. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that mental and physical health are closely connected.

 

How Can Therapy Help?

Therapy can give you a place to talk honestly about what your diagnosis has changed. You can work on coping with uncertainty, managing difficult emotions, rebuilding confidence, improving relationships, and finding ways to stay connected to the parts of life that matter to you.

At Quality Time Institute for Mental Health, therapy can address chronic illness, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, grief, medical trauma, stress, relationships, and major life transitions.

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Meet William J. Holloway, LCSW 107307

William J. Holloway, LCSW 107307, is the founder and lead clinician at Quality Time Institute for Mental Health in San Diego. His primary specialties include chronic illness, depression, and coping skills.

His additional areas of expertise include anxiety, chronic pain, grief, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, trauma and PTSD, and substance use. His therapeutic approaches include ACT, CBT, compassion-focused, integrative, mindfulness-based, motivational interviewing, person-centered, solution-focused, strength-based, and trauma-focused therapy.

Chronic Illness Therapy in San Diego and Surrounding Communities

Quality Time Institute provides support for people navigating chronic illness and related mental health concerns in San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Lemon Grove, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Poway, Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, La Jolla.

Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Clairemont, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Tierrasanta, Spring Valley, Lakeside, Alpine, Ramona, Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, Jamul, Bonita, and San Ysidro, as well as through online therapy across California.

Support can be especially useful when depression or emotional distress is making it harder to manage medical care, work, relationships, or everyday responsibilities.

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Does Insurance Cover Depression Therapy?

Insurance coverage depends on your individual health plan. William J. Holloway’s current provider profile lists Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth, Medicare, and Optum.

Your deductible, copay, coinsurance, network status, and behavioral health benefits can vary by plan. Before beginning treatment, contact your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage.

QTI also provides Insurance Reimbursement Support with information about reimbursement and superbills.

What Can You Do If You Are Not Ready for Therapy?

You do not have to make a long-term decision immediately. Start by talking with your primary care provider about persistent changes in mood or functioning. You can also explore support options and learn more about what you are experiencing.

QTI offers resources such as Resilience Mapping and the Resilience Roadmap to help people understand their strengths, challenges, and available support.

You can also explore individual and caregiver therapy if chronic illness is affecting your daily life or caregiving relationships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is feeling depressed after a chronic illness diagnosis normal?

Sadness, worry, and emotional overwhelm can occur after a major health change. Persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life should be discussed with a healthcare or mental health professional.

Can chronic illness cause depression?

People with chronic diseases have a higher risk of developing depression. The relationship can involve illness-related stress, anxiety, biological factors, medications, and other individual circumstances.

When should I get help for depression?

If symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with everyday activities, speak with a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Can therapy help with depression and chronic illness?

Yes. Psychotherapy is an evidence-based treatment for depression and can be used when someone is also living with a chronic medical condition.

What if I am having thoughts of suicide?

If you are in the United States and having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

For additional information, visit the National Institute of Mental Health depression resource.

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