Chronic is a short way to describe a persistent, long-lasting, or constantly recurring illness. These conditions typically develop slowly and last for years or more. Because of their recurring nature, chronic disorders typically require long-term and ongoing care. This is especially true for mental health.
What is a Chronic Mental Health Disorder?
Chronic mental health disorders are long-lasting conditions that disrupt how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. These disorders last for months or years, with symptoms often limiting a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. For example, chronic mental illness can negatively affect work and school performance, energy and motivation, social activities, and relationships.
The symptoms of chronic mental illnesses vary (depending on the disorder), but can be incumbering. In fact, ScienceDirect defines chronic mental illness as “conditions with persistently debilitating psychiatric symptoms and severely impaired function.” Chronic symptoms might include:
- Devere mood swings
- Persistent sadness
- Constant worry and anxiety
- Ongoing hallucinations or delusions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep/eating habits
- Declining performance at work or school
- Unexplained, recurring aches and pains
- Chronic fatigue
With some chronic mental conditions, like Persistent Depressive Disorder, symptoms can ebb and flow or be on the mild side. However, symptoms do not go away entirely. Among any chronic mental disorder, symptoms can last for a stretch of months or for many years. The longer person goes without treatment, the longer their symptoms are likely to last.
What Causes Chronic Mental Illness?
There is no single cause of chronic mental health conditions. Like any mental illness, there are certain contributing factors that can put a person at risk, such as:
- Family history and genetics
- Brain chemistry
- Traumatic events
- Prolonged stress
- Early life experiences
- Other environmental, social, or cultural factors
Additionally, research shows that people suffering from co-occurring, chronic medical conditions (such as chronic pain or COPD) are likely to develop chronic or ongoing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. However, this relationship is bidirectional. Those suffering from chronic mental illnesses are also at greater risk of developing medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Are All Mental Illnesses a Chronic Disease?
While many mental health conditions are chronic, this is not always the case. For some people, a mental illness can be episodic – occurring in intense stints, over a short period of time. Some mental health conditions are acute, as well, maybe triggered by specific events or lasting only a matter of weeks.
Many mental health disorders, however, are chronic and persistent in nature. For example, mental health conditions that can be (or become) chronic include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
As explained by Mental Health America, “Mental illness affects everyone differently. For some people, it comes and goes. For others, it can feel almost constant. You might experience one episode of depression, or it might be a lifelong struggle.”
For people experiencing chronic mental health disorders, symptoms must be managed consistently, on an ongoing basis, for much of their life.
Are Chronic Mental Disorders Treatable?
Mental health disorders are very manageable and treatable conditions, and chronic mental illnesses are no exception. They may not be a quick or easy fix, but there are effective treatments to help manage and mitigate the ongoing symptoms of chronic conditions. For example, psychotherapies (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in combination with medication and lifestyle changes can make an incredible difference in the lives of those suffering.
There is not one, single type of treatment that will work for everyone. Treatment plans must be individualized to meet each person’s needs. At Turnbridge, each treatment plan involves a personalized and evidence-based combination of approaches, including various types of psychotherapy and complementary, holistic therapies. Learn more by clicking here.
Rest assured that even long-enduring mental illnesses are not a life sentence. As stated by the American Psychological Association, “Mental health conditions are treatable and improvement is possible. Many people with mental health conditions return to full functioning.”
With the right care, education, and support, people can—and do—build stable, fulfilling lives.
Without treatment, however, chronic mental health disorders can lead to other disruptive conditions, including physical illness, substance abuse, and other “chronically disabling symptoms.”
So, if you or a loved one is facing ongoing or recurring mental health symptoms, do not wait to seek help. Professional support and therapy can mark a monumental change in your life.
Call Turnbridge today to talk to a mental health professional about your concerns. We’re available at 877-581-1793. Whether chronic or short-term, we can help understand your symptoms and come up with an action plan.