Chronic health issues & disabilities

Living with a disability or a severe, ongoing health issue can affect your mental health. This guide will help you identify ways to manage your situation and have a fulfilling life.

Woman who uses a wheelchair and a man sitting and talking

What is it?

Chronic health issues and disabilities are common conditions anyone can be faced with—in some cases, at the same time—that may impact overall functioning and mental health.

Chronic health issues are long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing medical care. Nearly half of the U.S. population has at least one chronic health issue. They’re even more common among adults 65 or older—80% have at least one, and 68% have two or more issues.¹ These challenges usually require support or ongoing care and can make it difficult to enjoy daily life. Cancer, heart disease, pain, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's are common examples.

Disabilities are conditions that limit a person’s interactions with the world. One out of four U.S. adults live with at least one disability.

Disabilities can impair body or mind functions, limit common activities like seeing or hearing, or restrict participation in daily activities such as work and social life. These can be temporary or ongoing; observed or “hidden.” Disabilities can affect people in a variety of ways, and even the same disability might affect two people differently.

If you have a disability, you might experience changes in your vision, movement, thinking, memory and learning—any of which could affect how you communicate to others, how you navigate your relationships, and your overall mindset.

While chronic health issues and disabilities are often long-term conditions and may look a little different for everyone, they can be managed. Despite unfounded negative stereotypes, people with chronic health issues and people with disabilities live productive, empowered and fulfilling lives.

What's causing it?

Interconnected factors can cause chronic health issues and disabilities. When you age, your risk of chronic health issues increases. And, chronic health issues can lead to disabilities. Biology, whether your own genetic traits or the environment around you, can play a role, too.

Chronic health issues can arise from a combination of genetic, physical, environmental and lifestyle factors. Chronic conditions last more than a year and require ongoing medical attention. They may also limit your ability to do day-to-day activities.

Biological factors such as aging, genetics and our physical environment can play a role in chronic health issues, too. Certain behaviors such as using tobacco, eating a poor diet, having a sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise or physical activity) and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also cause or contribute to health challenges.

Disabilities have many causes, including injuries or conditions you’re born with; however, chronic health issues are the leading cause of disabilities in the U.S. When a chronic condition affects your body or mind to a degree in which your everyday activities and interactions are limited, it can be considered a disability. For example, diabetes might lead to vision loss, or anxiety could prevent you from being able to do your job.

How should I deal with it?

As people age, they are more likely to continually develop health challenges that may be disabling. Being diagnosed with a chronic health issue or developing a disability are major changes that may trigger feelings of loss for the way life used to be.

It’s important to allow yourself to experience your emotions so you can accept reality and move forward. It’s also important to understand that while aging and chronic health conditions are normal, there are still ways to feel in control of your medical situation so that it has minimal interference with the life you want to live.

Though the transition can be difficult, it is possible for you to manage—and even lessen—the impact of your conditions on your emotional health. Looking for moments of gratitude, keeping up with your medical care, getting support from family and friends and prioritizing your well-being can help you thrive and enjoy your life. Mental health professionals can also help you with this transition.

Depending on your situation, there may also be legal protections and government resources available for navigating the workplace, accessing health care or dealing with financial issues, which could alleviate some of the stress.

Things to Try

If you’re dealing with feelings and mental health challenges related to chronic health issues or disabilities, here are some small things you can do to start building long-term, positive habits.

Write down a few things you're grateful for

Ask for support from friends and family
Create a sleep routine
Invest in a weighted blanket

More Things To Try

How to help a loved one

There are many ways you can support a loved one who has chronic health conditions or lives with a disability:

Talk about it. Your loved ones might try to put on a happy face and “just get through it,” but don’t be afraid to ask how they’re (really) feeling. If they open up, echo back their feelings. For example, if they mention having limited interaction with others, say, “That sounds isolating”—this validates what they’re saying and allows you to connect more deeply. Use empathy and practice being non-judgmental.
Challenge stereotypes. Your loved one may face unfair treatment based on unfounded beliefs by others or in the workplace. This can make them feel helpless or unimportant and may limit their options and interactions. You have a unique opportunity to counter the stereotypes and help others understand their biases while at the same time supporting your loved one in developing skills and independence. Help them find things they enjoy, and do some of those things together.

Be mindful of language. Don’t be afraid to talk about health issues or disabilities, but do be mindful of your language. If it's relevant to mention these characteristics at all, use terms like "person with a disability" instead of "special needs" or "differently abled." Respect and observe the language preferences of your loved one, and aim to help them feel empowered with how you speak.
Take care of yourself. If you’re a caregiver, prioritize your well-being—for yourself, and your loved one. While it can be hard to delegate, no one can (or should) do it all alone. Try delegating specific tasks or time blocks, and consider a shared schedule or online support groups like Caring.com Resource Center for additional support. Make time for yourself and for supporting your own mental health—being a caregiver can sometimes take a toll on your mindset.
Encourage additional support. If your loved one is experiencing emotional distress or isolation, encourage them to consider therapy or group therapy. Being around people with similar struggles may help them feel less alone, and they can receive support beyond what loved ones can provide. Help connect them to resources if they’re open to it.

How to talk about disabilities

Caring.com Resource Center

What can I do now?

Dealing with chronic health issues and disabilities can make anyone feel like there’s a long journey ahead. But while that journey might seem long, remember that many folks are going through it, too. There are resources that can help you take control of your situation, and there are support options that can help you feel empowered to manage your physical and mental health now and in the future.