Chronic Illness
In 2018, the CDC found that 60% of American live with at least one chronic illness.
The CDC defines a chronic illness as a disease that lasts longer than a year.
Some chronic illness examples include:
Autoimmune diseases
Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1/juvenile diabetes
Metabolic disorders
Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome
Chronic pain conditions
Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia
Progressive disorders
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Mental Health & Chronic Illness
Chronic illness directly affects mental health. Some mental health effects of life with chronic illness include:
Stress and anxiety about access barriers
Exposure to discrimination
Relationship challenges
Medical stress
Fear about the future
Self-esteem issues