The primary focus of managing CF is centered around the respiratory and digestive systems. However, there are many other factors that come into play when trying to maintain health, but also quality of life.
As psychology/neuroscience student (finally almost finished with my second degree!) I understand the importance of mental well being. Often times, I feel as if I go to the clinic and my physical issues are observed, evaluated, and treated, but my metal wellness is neglected. All persons living with a chronic illness suffer from some sort of anxiety/depression related disorders. Whether or not it is to the extent of requiring treatment is a variant that cannot be determined.
What are the statistics?
One study shows:
1 in 3 patients 12 and younger experience higher levels of anxiety, and 11% have elevated symptoms of depression.
1/2 of the mothers of children with CF have elevated levels of anxiety and 24% of moms had elevated symptoms of depression.
*these rates are much higher than found in the general population.
What makes CF patients more susceptible to suffering from anxiety/depression?
Depression is more common in those living with chronic illnesses. The amount of time spent doing life quality enhancing treatments can make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle or simply do the things you want to do. There is also a sense of uncertainty regarding the future, which is a normal response to such life circumstances.
What's the big deal of being depressed or anxious?
Feelings of depression and being overwhelmed with anxiety have the tendency to affect the willingness to adhere to treatments and medication regimes.
Anxiety and depression can also affect sleep. Your body requires 7-8 hours of a sleep a night, but keep in mind that a CF patient may require more to compensate for the increased usage of energy from simply trying to breathe.
Depression has also been correlated with missing doctor's appointments, thus causing a downward spiral regarding the medical standing.
According to the American Psychological Association chronic stress (when it begins to interfere with your everyday life) can lead to feelings of fatigue, lack of concentration, and increase the time it takes to recover from a sickness.
How can I get help?
It may be difficult to admit that you have a problem...it is especially difficult if you have a parent or spouse that attends clinic with you. Many CF clinics have on site psychiatrists or they can set up a referral. If you find it to difficult to relay your feelings to your doctor, simply contact the social worker at your hospital for more information.
It is extremely pertinent to your health that, if you are prescribed anything for the treatment of anxiety/depression, your doctor needs to be provided with a complete list of all medications and dosages to avoid negative side effects/interference.
For more information on the study referred to, please see the link below:
http://www.cff.org/aboutCFFoundation/Publications/connections/archive/September2010/CF-Research-Shows-Importance-of-Mental-Health.cfm
For more information regarding mental health, please see the link below:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
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