Living with chronic illness or caregiving for someone who is living with a chronic or terminal illness?

Living with and/or caring for someone with a long term medical issue is a source of chronic stress. From activities of daily living, to navigating the health care system, to relationship stress, to workplace issues, it’s an ongoing battle to wage each day. Getting support from a mental health professional can help you find ways to manage this stress and have time and space for self-care and joy in your life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is prevalent in 

  • 51% of Parkinson’s patients
  •  42% of cancer patients
  •  27% of Diabetes patients, 23% of cerebrovascular patients
  • 17% of cardiovascular patients
  •  11% of Alzheimer’s patients
  •   chronic illness/disease increase the chances of having a mental illness, 
  • people experiencing depression are more likely to have other medical conditions

Research shows that those with chronic pain are four times more likely to have depression or anxiety than those who are pain-free.

Help:

Financial Assistance:  Learn how you can get help paying for your chronic disease copays

  • HealthWell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to insured Americans living with chronic or life-altering conditions. 
  • CancerCare – helps people with cancer overcome financial access and treatment barriers by assisting them with co-payments for their prescribed treatments..
  • NeedyMeds –  connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications
  • https://costplusdrugs.com/

General