Last updated: February 5, 2026
Medications, appointments, test results, flare ups.
If you’re living with a chronic illness, chances are you’re already juggling a lot.
Trying to keep afloat when you're struggling to manage can take a great toll on your mental health.
You might notice you’re more tired than usual. Or things that used to excite you are bigger tasks than the same anymore. Maybe you’ve started avoiding people or putting things off, even stuff you used to enjoy.
It’s easy to dismiss it as being run-down, but sometimes, it’s more than that.
The Link Between Chronic Illness and Mental Health
There’s a strong connection between experiencing chronic illness and poor mental health. We don’t talk about it much, in part, because we’re not taught to. But it’s a real and isolating experience.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly 1 in 2 Australians live with a chronic condition. These individuals report significantly higher levels of psychological distress than those without. Whether it’s asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain or another long-term illness.
Chronic health struggles are more than just experiencing the physical illness, it also includes everything that comes with it.
- Changing your routine or diet
- Dealing with pain or fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Worrying about your job, the future, your independence
- Feeling like a burden
- Losing touch with the things and people that make life meaningful
Over time, these factors build up and the cost is often your mental health.
Why am I feeling this way?
Mental health challenges don’t always look how we expect. You might not feel sad all the time. You might just feel flat, irritated, or burnt out.
Maybe you’re sleeping until 2pm. Or spending hours awake and not sleeping at all. Maybe you’ve started to pull away from the people you love because it feels like too much effort.
That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your nervous system is under strain, and your mind is in survival mode.
How to Finally Start Feeling Better
You don’t need to be at breaking point to get support. Here are some ways to start looking after your mental health while living with a chronic illness:
1. Talk to Your GP
Ask about a Mental Health Care Plan. It gives you access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. This is available across Australia and is one of the best first steps to take.
2. See a Therapist Who Understands Chronic Illness
Some psychologists specialise in supporting people living with pain, fatigue, and long-term medical issues. They understand the emotional toll and can help you develop realistic coping tools.
3. Look at these useful articles:
• https://www.psychology.org.au
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.a...
4. Connect with Others Who Get It
Support groups, either in person or online, can make a big difference. Speaking with others who have a shared experience can validate your feelings. Additionally, when you don’t have to explain everything, it feels safer to share honestly. Sometimes knowing you’re not the only one makes things feel lighter.
5. Set Boundaries Around Your Energy
Chronic illness often comes with unpredictable energy levels. Fatigue
It’s okay to show up for yourself first. Cancel plans. Say no. Leave early. You don’t need to apologise for protecting your capacity.
6. Find Small Anchors in the Day
Even when things feel uncertain, small routines help. A quiet cup of tea. A favourite podcast. Sitting in the sun. These tiny anchors help the nervous system reset.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Get Help?
Some signs your mental health might need attention:
- Feeling flat or hopeless for most of the day
- Withdrawing from people or things you enjoy
- Big changes in sleep or appetite
- Low motivation or fatigue that doesn’t shift
- Feeling teary or easily overwhelmed
- Trouble concentrating or finishing tasks
If this sounds like you, consider checking in with your GP. The sooner you take steps, the easier it is to turn things around.
Where to Get Help (Australia)
- Your GP – For a Mental Health Care Plan
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis line)
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Head to Health – https://www.headtohealth.gov.a...
- SANE Australia – Support for complex mental health concerns
- Carer Gateway – For those caring for someone with a chronic condition
If your body’s been through a lot, it’s no surprise your mind is carrying the load too.
Managing a chronic illness is hard work. It changes how you move through the world, how you relate to others, and how you see yourself. But it doesn’t have to be something you carry alone.
There’s help and support available.
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