Living with physical health conditions and their impact

Physical health is an important part of our wellbeing.

This can include the way that our bodies work e.g. our organs (for example, our lungs) and our body’s systems (for example, our digestive system). Some young people experience physical health difficulties and/or have physical health conditions.

Our mind and bodies work together so mental and physical wellbeing can impact upon each other. When you face challenges with your physical health, this can understandably impact your mental health and wellbeing. Equally, facing difficulties in your mental health or wellbeing can result in changes to your physical health.

What does someone with physical health difficulties look like?

Not all physical health problems or difficulties look the same. Sometimes they may not be visible.

What can change our physical health?

Lots of things can affect our physical health. Some of these include:

• Illness (this can be a short-term illness which is sometimes called an acute illness or a long-term illness which is sometimes called a chronic illness)
• Being diagnosed with a new condition (such as diabetes)
• Our genetics (that you inherit from your parents)
• Our environment
• Access to health care (not going to your doctor, dentist, or any other medical appointments)
• Our nutrition and diet
• Sleep
• Feeling stressed or experiencing stressful situations
• Substance use such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco

Everyone’s physical health is different and can vary over time. Our response to physical health changes, such as an illness, can be affected by various factors such as our age, past experiences, and the support systems we have in place.

How do these physical changes affect our mental health?

If you are physically unwell, have a long-term/chronic physical illness, or a life-long condition,  you may notice that this impacts on your mental health and wellbeing. Living with a physical health condition can be challenging, you may find it hard to manage the treatment or be in hospital a lot.

At these times you may experience:

• Worries, stress, or symptoms of anxiety
• Low mood
• Loneliness
• Anger and/or frustration
• Feelings of loss or grief
• Sleeping difficulties
• Reduced motivation (burnout)

How can I look after my mental health if I’m physically unwell?

• Talk to someone about how you feel. This could be a friend, a trusted adult, a charity based online community such as Side by Side | A community platform by Mind, or your GP.
• Look after your mental health by practising self-care
• Set yourself a healthy sleep pattern
• Improve your overall health and lifestyle
• Take things at your own pace and take regular breaks

Dealing with physical health challenges can make a big difference in your overall quality of life so looking after yourself is really important.

There are also charities that you can contact, who offer support, online groups etc… and can be linked to specific conditions including:

• Diabetes UK – Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK
• Become a member of Crohn’s & Colitis UK (crohnsandcolitis.org.uk)
• Home – Epilepsy Action

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: NHS - Looking after your mental health
  
• w: Self-care tips videos for young people - Every Mind Matters NHS