A recent study published in the Lancet found that nearly one in three patients who are critically ill will experience some form of mental illness afterwards.
This is a worrying statistic, as it indicates that many medical professionals are not adequately prepared to deal with the mental health needs of their patients.
However, the study also found that some simple interventions can make a big difference in mitigating the risk of mental illness after critical illness.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the research says about the link between critical illness and mental health, and how healthcare providers can best support their patients.
What Will We Learn?
Defining critical illness and mental health
Critical illness, also known as a catastrophic illness, is a serious medically determined condition that has long-term effects on health and functioning.
This can include illnesses or conditions such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and paralysis.
Similarly to physical illnesses and conditions, mental health is just as important to an individual’s overall well-being and should be taken seriously.
Mental health refers to how people think, feel, and how they interact with their environment in each stage of life.
It includes mood disorders like depression and anxiety as well as more serious mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Whether physical or mental, it is crucial to seek help when faced with critical illness or mental distress to ensure that the best care can be delivered in the face of these challenges.
The connection between critical illness and mental health
The connection between critical illness and mental health has become clear in recent years due to mounting evidence.
Studies have found that individuals who experience a critical or life-threatening illness are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than healthy people.
This is especially true of illnesses that require significant lifestyle changes, such as amputation or cancer treatments, which can lead to feelings of loss and distress.
Furthermore, certain illnesses may make certain social activities more difficult or impossible to take part in, further worsening feelings of isolation.
While it’s important to focus on physical treatments, it’s also crucial to remember the importance of emotional support for anyone with a critical illness.
How critical illness can lead to mental health problems
The impact of critical illness on an individual’s mental health should not be underestimated.
Chronic and acute physical illnesses, such as cancer or traumatic injuries, can lead to a wide range of psychological issues which can threaten a person’s lifestyle in profound ways.
The effects depend largely on the type of condition present and its severity; however, research shows high levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals living with chronic physical illnesses.
Sadly, this is often due to a lack of access to adequate mental health support services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or peer support groups.
Care providers should take a holistic approach to good mental health when treating people with chronic physical illnesses by integrating traditional medical treatments with evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions that focus on aspects such as emotional regulation and problem-solving strategies.
Symptoms of mental health problems after a critical illness
Mental health problems can arise following an extremely serious medical event or procedure.
A critical illness such as one that requires prolonged hospitalization has been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which can manifest both immediately after the event or in the weeks or months that follow.
Anxiety is another potential result of a critical illness, often due to uncertainties around the recovery process and treatments.
These mental health issues can cause sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt and helplessness, mood changes, decreased energy levels, restlessness, decreased concentration levels, and other symptoms.
It is important for those recovering from a critical illness to identify these symptoms so that mental health care providers can assist in managing them as part of any recovery plan.
Treatments for mental health problems after a critical illness
With the growing awareness surrounding mental health issues, treatments for those directly affected by a critical illness have become increasingly accessible.
BeckleyRetreats.com is an excellent resource for people to learn more about various options and allocate support accordingly.
Through BeckleyRetreats.com, individuals can explore holistic approaches supporting emotional stability and connection with peers who also share a similar situation.
These methods may include therapies like art or dance therapy, mindfulness exercises, meditation, trauma-guided yoga, and other safe outlets to process difficult experiences that could lead to greater understanding and inner peace about the changing circumstances after a critical illness.
Prevention Of Mental Health Problems After A Critical illness
Preventative measures for mental health problems after a critical illness is essential for full recovery and well-being.
Following medical treatments and discharge from the hospital, proactive lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of depression, anxiety, and other long-term issues resulting from a life-threatening experience.
Studies have shown that social support—particularly in group settings—and engaging in regular exercise can foster overall resilience.
Additionally, doctors may suggest psychotherapy—either individually or as part of a group—in which people discuss their experiences and learn coping strategies and behavior modification techniques to minimize psychological difficulties.
Initiating preventative steps soon after hospital release is ideal; however, it is never too late to begin managing mental health concerns caused by critical illness.
Although critical illness and mental health are often spoken about separately, it’s important to understand the connection between the two.
Critical illness can lead to mental health problems, which is why it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and know what treatments are available.
By understanding the link between critical illness and mental health, we can take steps to prevent mental health problems from developing.
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