“Can physical illness lead to depression?”
My mother in law has multiple health complications and is depressed most of the time. I'm getting a feeling it all goes hand in hand but I'm not sure how we should approach her mental treatment.
11 Answers
Ilene Glance
Counselor | Mental Health
Yes, the two are very much related and there are diagnostic criteria that are often linked together that are due to medical conditions.
Yes, it can. Often, we experience strong emotional reaction to physical or emotional changes or losses. Seeing a psychologist or therapist can help in these situations. There is a strong relationship between physical and emotional health.
Yes it can
Thank you for your question. Yes, physical illness most definitely can lead to depression. Facing physical illness impacts one’s ability to sometimes care for oneself and the stress of consistent doctor visits, making lifestyle changes and the loss of full independence can be overwhelming and lead to depression. It is highly recommended that you all help her find a mental health professional to add to her team of healthcare providers to help in her journey.
Thank you for your question!
It is often difficult to tease out adjustments to physical illness and discrete mental illness that requires special treatment. When in doubt, I encourage you to speak openly to her internist about the symptoms you're indicating as possibly being part of a clinical depression. If the internist confirms diagnosis, he or she can consider prescribing medication if that seems indicated. However, as a psychologist, I would encourage your mother-in-law to consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has an evidence-based brief psychotherapy effective for depression and anxiety.
I wish you the best of luck!
It is often difficult to tease out adjustments to physical illness and discrete mental illness that requires special treatment. When in doubt, I encourage you to speak openly to her internist about the symptoms you're indicating as possibly being part of a clinical depression. If the internist confirms diagnosis, he or she can consider prescribing medication if that seems indicated. However, as a psychologist, I would encourage your mother-in-law to consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has an evidence-based brief psychotherapy effective for depression and anxiety.
I wish you the best of luck!
Of course.
That is, if the person can't get better.
That is, if the person can't get better.
Good question, 2-part answer:
1. She should have her doctors or a psychiatrist review all her meds. Some have depression as a side effect. What is called poly pharmacy is the combination of drugs which, when added to each other, cause psychological side effects;
2. She should see a therapist for individual consultation. All long-term illnesses lead to depression - loss of enjoyment, socialization, movement, etc. Perhaps individual, perhaps group therapy might be recommended.
She is lucky to have such a caring and intelligent daughter.
1. She should have her doctors or a psychiatrist review all her meds. Some have depression as a side effect. What is called poly pharmacy is the combination of drugs which, when added to each other, cause psychological side effects;
2. She should see a therapist for individual consultation. All long-term illnesses lead to depression - loss of enjoyment, socialization, movement, etc. Perhaps individual, perhaps group therapy might be recommended.
She is lucky to have such a caring and intelligent daughter.
Yes, it can happen, and as we get older, depression comes easier than when young. All because we have a change that many do not care for. Try to be around her and invite her to all family get togethers. That would help. Maybe even take her in.
Let her know that you understand how she feels under her circumstances & help her to get into the habit of meditating, sitting comfortably & not entertaining thoughts--let them go away. There are many modes of meditation that can be learned either online or at the library. An antidepressant might help, approved by her doctor
Physical illness can definitely lead to depression. Many of our psychological symptoms and disorders cause somatic symptoms which are a fancy name of physical struggles. It’s important that if you were having any kind of medical condition to get some sort of support whether it’s from a support group or therapist to get you through the psychological effects it might have on you while you’re healing your body.
Go to this link for some info on topic:
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsanddisorders/copingwithphysicalillness.aspx
The simple answer is yes - seek support help from an MH professional experienced in dealing with depression and physical health issues.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsanddisorders/copingwithphysicalillness.aspx
The simple answer is yes - seek support help from an MH professional experienced in dealing with depression and physical health issues.
