When you get diagnosed with Dysautonomia, you try to find out what to expect. You can expect to have to take more time off of work, you can expect to start needing more help, you can expect to start taking more medications, but what most people do not expect is the mental side of having Dysautonomia. Nobody tells out about the depression, anxiety, and worsening mental health that comes from having a chronic illness.
Dysautonomia and Mental Illness
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can not only worsen existing mental illnesses, but it can also create them. For many people, receiving a Dysautonomia diagnosis is enough to throw their entire life out of alignment. The diagnosis alone can be enough to cause depression and anxiety for anyone, but if you add chronic pain, insomnia, medications, fatigue, and medical bills to that, you will almost certainly see a worsening mental state.
When you are already struggling to learn how to manage Dysautonomia, your mental health may be the last thing on your mind, but managing your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health. The mind and body are interconnected in such a way that when one part hurts, the other often hurts as well. Pain causes depression, depression causes pain. By managing one side, you can often lessen the symptoms of the other.
Managing Your Mental Health
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, counseling is always a good option. There are many online mental health services that have been created in recent years, making it much easier for Dysautonomia patients to seek counseling without having to leave their homes. In addition to helping with the emotional side of mental illness, a psychiatrist may be able to prescribe you medications that can help to manage any chemical imbalances that are causing your mental health issues.
While counseling is a good option that should be considered if you are struggling to manage your mental health, some people may have difficulty accessing therapy due to physical or financial limitations. That being said, there are some other helpful things you can do to try to manage your mental health such as:
Going outdoors (helps to relieve stress, creates gentle movement, and can provide vitamin D).
Journaling (can provide a safe and appropriate space to vent all of your thoughts and feelings).
Aromatherapy (can improve mood and help to reduce chronic pain).
Self help books (can offer an affordable and self paced method to work on improving your mental health).
Spending time with pets (can help to relieve stress, facilitate movement, and reduce chronic pain)
If you are struggling to manage your mental health following a Dysautonomia diagnosis, there is no shame in seeking help. Anything you can do to improve your mental health will help your physical health as well. Living with a chronic illness is hard, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
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