This article explores the effects of chronic illness on mental health. It examines the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that chronic illness can take on an individual, as well as the potential long-term consequences. It also looks at how chronic illness can affect relationships, work, and overall quality of
A chronic condition, also known as chronic disease or chronic illness, is a health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Common chronic diseases include diabetes, functional gastrointestinal disorder, eczema, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and some viral diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Chronic illnesses are sometimes contrasted with terminal illnesses, which will end the affected person’s life. It is possible for an illness to change in definition from terminal to chronic as medicine progresses. For example, type 1 diabetes and HIV were once terminal, but are now considered chronic illnesses due to the availability of daily medications which allow these individuals to live while managing symptoms.