Having a mental health condition that lasts for a long period of time is something that many people experience. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the United States (that’s 57.8 million people!) live with a chronic mental health condition, which is defined as a condition that consistently affects a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and/or emotions for at least three months or more. So, if you are someone that suffers with a chronic mental health condition like an anxiety disorder, mood disorder, personality disorder, or psychotic disorder, please know that you are definitely not alone! Even so, I know it can be very difficult coping with the often unwanted passenger a chronic mental health condition can be, and I hope this article can provide you with some direction and comfort.
To effectively cope with a chronic mental health condition, just like with physical health conditions, you first and foremost need to make sure you’re getting the right treatment, which can involve both psychotherapy and medication. There are many forms of psychotherapy, so make sure to do your research to find the right fit for your condition. With medications, you can start with your general doctor, but a psychiatrist is often needed to receive specialty care. A lot of progress in managing symptoms can be made with the right combination of therapy and medication.
Also, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking care of your physical health when it comes to coping with a chronic mental health condition. Physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand, and physical health plays a critical role in mental well-being. Exercise, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular sleep all support brain health and help buffer against the impact of mental health symptoms. Small daily habits like taking a walk, eating nourishing meals, drinking enough water, and prioritizing rest can create a foundation for a healthy brain.
Another good coping skill is to be aware of your triggers and to cultivate greater understanding of yourself. What causes your anxiety to spike? What can make you feel more depressed? What do you find yourself ruminating over? What triggers you to perform compulsions? Knowing what situations, people, or places trigger your symptoms can help you understand yourself better and move about your days with greater awareness.
Along with understanding what triggers your condition, I highly recommend practicing self-compassion. Dealing with a chronic mental health condition is difficult enough, and adding on self-criticism, self-judgment, and comparison just adds to the suffering. Give yourself a break for not being able to attend an event due to your condition, talk to yourself kindly in the midst of an episode, and treat yourself as you would a friend going through a difficult time. You deserve to show yourself the compassion you would so freely give someone else.
Another helpful tool is to remind yourself that your chronic mental health condition is only one part of yourself; it does not define all of you. There are so many parts of you that make you who you are—your interests, your relationships, your dreams, and your values. Your condition may significantly impact your life, but it doesn’t capture the whole of your identity. Embracing the parts of yourself that exist beyond the condition can foster hope and remind you of all that you are capable of.
I also think it is important to acknowledge how strong you are for dealing with a chronic mental health condition. Living with a chronic mental health condition often means navigating difficult moments, managing setbacks, and finding ways to persevere. These experiences build strength. Each time you’ve faced your symptoms and worked through them, you’ve cultivated resilience. This strength can be a source of pride and a reminder of your ability to endure.
Lastly, finding your community is a crucial aspect of coping with having a chronic mental health condition. Whether that is having your family and friends as a strong support system or finding fellow people who struggle with your same condition, having a community can help you feel less alone. You absolutely do not have to go through this alone, so definitely seek out support!
Living with a chronic mental health condition can be taxing and exhausting, but there are ways to cope with this and manage your condition. Living with a chronic mental health condition also can cultivate resilience, patience, and inner strength, and taking a moment to recognize your progress and the effort you put into caring for yourself is an important part of the journey. Remember, you are not alone, and each day is an opportunity to recognize the strength that carries you forward.
