Can Long-Term Diseases Affect Psychological Health?

In some cases, people who are diagnosed with mental health problems have to deal with associated physical health ailments, as well.

Disabilities Can Affect a Person’s Emotional Well-Being

Beyond their physiological implications, disabilities can also affect an individual’s emotional well-being. People who are disabled often experience uncertainty about their future and may have trouble interacting in social situations. For most people, their disability occurs as a result of a traumatic accident or a chronic disease. A disabling condition can affect an individual in the following ways:

• Economically and financially
• Psychologically
• Socially and emotionally

The effects of disabling conditions may have implications at the individual, family, and community levels. A disabled person’s family members may also develop feelings of sadness relating to their loved one’s poor health and discomfort.

Social well-being plays a crucial role in one’s health and can improve one’s overall quality of life. On the other hand, disabling conditions have the potential to reduce the amount of enjoyment a person can derive from life. In some cases, a physical disability can affect a person’s ability to communicate with others, causing stress in social situations.

Mental disorders also can have a significant impact on an individual’s life and well-being. These conditions can have serious consequences, and individuals diagnosed with any type of disabling condition should seek proper treatment to reduce the impact of its symptoms. Older adults who try to seek disability after 50 may have different criteria to satisfy.

Physical Disability Can Lead to Various Mental Illnesses

Psychological illnesses can be serious conditions that have the potential to affect an individual’s emotions and thought processes. They may affect the way an individual feels, behaves, and interacts with other people. In severe cases, an individual may even experience long-lasting or chronic symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms that people with mental illness may experience:

Anger problems: Anger issues are common when an individual is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. In the most severe cases, it can affect an individual’s cognitive abilities. Anger problems can make it difficult to engage socially with others, and they can make it hard to focus on one’s health. People who suffer from anger problems should adequately treat their issues under the care of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

1. Stress: When stress becomes overwhelming, it can contribute to long-term issues, such as anxiety and depression. To decrease the impact of stress on one’s life, it is advisable to engage in different stress-busting activities, such as meditation, light exercise, or other relaxing activities.
2. Relationship issues: An individual’s mental condition can affect the way that they behave and relate to others. If they behave in a socially inappropriate way, there is a chance that their relationships with friends and family can be affected.
3. Depression and mood disorders: Depression is a chronic disorder that may affect an individual severely. You can get a disability for depression by submitting documentation of how the condition affects you. The following are some of the factors that may increase the likelihood that depression will occur:

• Use of drugs
• Alcohol abuse
• Unemployment
• Sleep disorders
• Malnutrition
• Strained relationships with family members, friends, and other relatives

1. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder (commonly known as PTSD) is a mental illness that usually is triggered after the individual experiences a traumatic situation. It is a serious mental health disability that requires proper medical care and attention.
2. Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. It is a condition in which individuals may fear meeting new people or engaging in other social situations. Individuals dealing with this type of disorder may actively avoid attending social gatherings and constantly worry that others are judging them.
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a severe condition that is often characterized by repetitive thoughts, actions, and obsessions. In this condition, an individual may experience a compulsion to perform certain behaviors.

Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Good psychological health can depend on a variety of factors. At times, changing certain habits can help boost your condition. Following the suggestions mentioned below may serve to improve your mental health.

1. Talk with family and friends: It is good to communicate with people you love when you are feeling troubled. Talking about your feelings with family and friends can help you deal with serious situations, such as those relating to a physical or mental disability.
2. Regular exercise: Staying physically active can potentially boost your self-esteem and help you to improve your concentration levels. Exercising regularly can have benefits for both your brain and your body.
3. Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich, and balanced diet: A healthy diet can be the foundation for a healthy body, and it also can help you build up psychological strength and physical health.
4. Make time for sufficient sleep: Our body needs adequate sleep and rest to function effectively. Most people need to sleep for about eight hours every night. Good sleep habits can be essential for physical and mental health. Resting after strenuous activity can help you to renew your body’s energy and improve mental function.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a disabling condition, it can be valuable to speak to a lawyer about the process for applying for benefits from the Social Security Administration. An experienced legal professional can explain the options available to you, as well as review the specifics unique to your case. Your attorney can stand by your side throughout the entire disability claim process, beginning with a free consultation and until you receive the benefits that you deserve.

Even though a disabled person can apply for benefits independently, working with a lawyer may improve their chances of a favorable outcome. In addition, if your initial application for benefits is denied, a lawyer can assist with the appeals process.