I’m living with a long‑term health condition
Managing ongoing health conditions can affect your emotional wellbeing. Discover how we can help.
I’ve been living with a long‑term health condition, and it’s starting to affect how I feel day to day. Some days feel harder than others. Could this be impacting my mental wellbeing?
On this page you'll find information about:
Living with a long‑term health condition
Living with a long-term health condition can affect many areas of your life. Whether you have diabetes, chronic pain, respiratory disease, heart disease, neurological conditions, cancer, or another ongoing health problem, managing symptoms and treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming.
You may find that your condition impacts your daily routine, work, relationships, hobbies, and sense of independence. Many people experience periods of uncertainty about the future, frustration with physical limitations, or difficulties adjusting to changes in their health.
It is important to remember that these reactions are normal. Living with a long-term condition is not only a physical challenge, but often an emotional one too. Looking after your psychological wellbeing can be just as important as managing your physical health. Talking therapies can help you develop practical strategies to cope with the challenges you face, improve your emotional wellbeing, and build confidence in living well with your condition.
The emotional impact of ongoing health challenges
When you are living with a health condition that affects your day-to-day life, it is common to experience a range of emotions. Some people find themselves worrying more about their health, while others experience low mood, stress, frustration, anger, guilt, or a sense of loss for the life they had before their condition developed. It is also common to feel isolated, particularly if friends, family, or colleagues do not fully understand what you are experiencing.
Physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing are closely connected. When we feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, it can become harder to manage symptoms, maintain healthy routines, and engage in activities that support recovery and wellbeing. Equally, worsening physical symptoms can have a negative impact on mood and confidence.
Common signs and symptoms to look out for
- Feeling low or unhappy
- Worrying more than usual
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
- Finding it difficult to cope with your condition or symptoms
- Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling tired or lacking motivation
- Becoming more irritable or emotional
- Avoiding activities, people, or appointments
- Feeling isolated or alone
How can Talking Therapies help support you.
There are many ways our service can help you work through your feelings and equip you with practical strategies to help you feel better. Our services include:
- Talking Therapies
- Guided Self-Help
- Online Self-Help Programmes
- Wellness Workshops and Webinars
- Group Therapy and Self-Management Courses
Our groups and courses give you the opportunity to hear from others going through similar experiences or facing the same challenges as you. This can help you gain a better understanding of your own problems and feel less alone. Explore our group therapy courses.
Explore our online wellbeing workshops
Our wellbeing workshops cover topics such as maternal wellbeing, anxiety, worry, depression, sleep hygiene and more. They provide insights into signs and symptoms, practical guidance and techniques to help boost your mood, as well as resources for additional support.