Many people are diagnosed with various illnesses, and often those conditions are chronic. A significant number of people across the US face long-standing diseases, which are associated with different factors, including education, lifestyle, mental health, and family history (Hayes & Gillian, 2020). Chronic illnesses can have damaging effects on a person’s emotional and social states but are also likely to be impacted by emotional and social support.
Individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases face considerable troubles and require help from others. For example, a severe sickness can influence one’s emotional condition by causing impulsivity, anxiety, or depression, which can provoke feelings of worthlessness and inferiority (Hayes & Gillian, 2020). On the other hand, such sensations can worsen the impact of the initial disorder (Hayes & Gillian, 2020). Moreover, some effects of a chronic illness on a person’s social status include social withdrawal and hindering of different aspects of life, like generating a barrier to attaining education (Hayes & Gillian, 2020). Accordingly, people who have long-standing health conditions need continuous assistance. For instance, social aid is provided by family, friends, colleagues, and healthcare professionals, who can contribute to psychological well-being (Filothei, 2021). The roles of emotional and social support are interconnected and can be expressed through lower morbidity and mortality rates, reduced stress, and improved behavior (Filothei, 2021). In particular, such help can influence the disease process itself through treatment adherence and higher involvement in relevant exercise activities (Filothei, 2021). Consequently, people who have severe illnesses require assistance in order to overcome troubles.
To summarize, chronic disease can negatively affect an individual’s social and emotional statutes, which can be improved through the help of others. People with severe diagnoses face social withdrawal and such psychological challenges as anxiety and a feeling of worthlessness. However, a person’s loved ones and caregivers can offer social support and enhance emotional well-being by facilitating treatment adherence and addressing behavioral issues. Therefore, those who have chronic illnesses need continuous assistance so as not to worsen their conditions further.
References
Filothei, K. (2021). Social support in chronic illness. Perioperative Nursing, 10(1), 113-115. Web.
Hayes, T. O., & Gillian, S. (2020). Background: Understanding the connections between chronic disease and individual-level risk factors. American Action Forum. Web.