Grief and Loss in Chronic Illness: Exploring the Emotional Toll of Chronic Pain and Illness on Individuals and Their Families
Grief is a complicated emotion. People know this, but what people may not know is that people with chronic illness and chronic pain experience it differently. They also experience it at some point in their journey, in some capacity. Whether it's grieving the life they expected they would live or the person they dreamed they would be. It's emotional, it's overwhelming and unfortunately, it's often overlooked. Especially, when talking about chronic illness and chronic pain.
Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain Cause a Range of Emotions
People with chronic illness and chronic pain, and even their families, often experience a range of emotions. Ones that can often be difficult to manage. Grief is just one of them. They experience loss in many ways. They also have to come to terms with the fact that their life will not look as they once did. However, this doesn't mean that these feelings become you. They are just a part of you. But, it is important to acknowledge and recognize these feelings of grief, sadness, and loss.
This blog will explore the realm of grief, loss, and other emotions experienced when dealing with chronic pain and illness and how Chronic Illness Counseling and Chronic Pain Counseling at Chronic Hope can help.
Grief and Loss in Terms of Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain
Individuals with chronic illnesses or chronic pain may experience different types of grief. Anticipatory grief, like an elephant in the room, looms over them as they expect or anticipate the loss of an important aspect of their life. This can be a physical ability, a job, or a relationship. On the other hand, disenfranchised grief, which is often overlooked in conversations about grief, is also like the elephant in the room.
This type of grief can be experienced by family members or caregivers.
Ones who are close to the individual suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain. Despite their emotional attachment or relationship with that person, their grief is not always recognized. This makes it a hidden elephant in the room that can be challenging to acknowledge and talk about.
Losses Experienced in Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain
When it comes to dealing with chronic illness or chronic pain, individuals may experience a loss of physical functioning as their illness progresses. This can lead them to lose the ability to do activities they once did and enjoyed. Or, their pain becomes too painful or exhausts them to the point where they can no longer partake in them. This can be a huge emotional and mental toll on individuals and those who care for them.
These Individuals Can Also Go Through a Loss of Their Independence as They are Able to Do Less With Their Illness or Pain.
They may be less mobile and need assistance. They may also be in so much pain that things they once did on their own, with ease, become difficult. In turn, this leads to a loss of their identity as they are no longer able to do the activities that gave them purpose, joy, and fulfillment. All of this can cause a build-up of emotions experienced such as sadness, anger, guilt, frustration, fatigue, etc. Acknowledging these feelings and emotions of grief, sadness, and loss is important. They are all normal but still deserve to be supported.
What are the Impacts on Individuals with Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain?
There are various impacts that chronic illness and chronic pain individuals can face. The most common are mental health impacts, such as depression and anxiety. These can be caused by not having control over your illness or pain. Plus, the impact they have on your life. For example, you may be anxious for the next bout of pain to hit or you feel depressed due to the lack of control you have over your situation.
Strained Relationships Can Leave People Feeling Isolated
There can be social or interpersonal issues that surround the circumstances of chronic illness and chronic pain. These can lead to isolation, strained relationships, and decreased social activities. Your friends may not know how to act or what to say, so this may lead to friendships ending or leading to a more distant relationship. Family members may want to support you but not understand how or feel overwhelmed. Thus, creating a strained relationship. This can leave you feeling lonely and frustrated.
What is the Impact on Families and Caregivers?
Families of individuals, especially if they take on the role of caregiver, can take an emotional toll. There is a feeling of helplessness when you cannot do anything to help your family member. There is also a sense of frustration over the situation and the financial impact. Plus, an emotional burden. It can be difficult to see your loved one in pain or struggling and not be able to do anything about it. You see them going through challenging times, but like a guiding light, you provide unwavering support and care, shining through the darkness of chronic illness with your presence and love.
Additional Responsibilities and Roles Can Create a Feeling of Being Overwhelmed
Role changes and adjustments may have to be made in the family dynamic as one person is now taking on more roles than before. They may now also be their loved one's caregiver on top of that, which comes with a lot of responsibilities, emotionally and physically. The emotional burden of being a caregiver is often overlooked, as there may be a feeling of guilt about not doing enough or burnout from doing too much.
How to Cope with Grief and Loss in Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain
Grief is a complex and complicated emotion to process and can be difficult to handle when dealing with chronic illnesses or pain. Individuals with chronic illness and chronic pain, along with their families, can benefit from validating their feelings and emotions and engaging in healthy coping strategies. Having ways to cope with grief and loss can help individuals and families better manage the emotions they are feeling.
This can include:
Implement healthy coping mechanisms
Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist
Set realistic expectations and goals for yourself
Focus on self-care activities
Take breaks throughout the day
Feel whatever emotions you are experiencing
Encourage open communication within the family
Implement Strategies to Help Manage Grief Through Chronic Illness Counseling
By implementing ways to navigate this grief and loss in a healthy manner, people with chronic illnesses and chronic pain can find moments of positivity and fulfillment. It is also important for families to remember that grief is normal and to support each other during these difficult times. Being supportive, understanding, and patient can make this process of grief a bit easier to manage.
Interested in Chronic Illness Counseling or Chronic Pain Counseling in Raleigh, NC?
Navigating loss and grief in the context of chronic illness and chronic pain can be a difficult process. Individuals with chronic illnesses and chronic pain, as well as their families, may find comfort in therapy sessions. At Chronic Hope Counseling our skilled team of therapists has first-hand knowledge and personal understanding of chronic pain and chronic illness so we want to be there for you. We want to support and guide you through your grief and loss, helping you to find moments of joy and positivity. Follow the steps below to get started on the road to living your best life.
Get to know our team of caring therapists.
Book an appointment on our convenient contact form.
Begin finding the moments of hope that life has to offer!
Other Counseling Services Offered at Chronic Hope Counseling in North Carolina
In addition to Chronic Illness Counseling and Chronic Pain Counseling, we also offer a variety of other services that are geared toward people who exist within the world of chronic illness and pain. These include Chronic Fatigue Counseling, Long Covid Counseling, Ehlers Danlos Counseling, Family and Relationship Counseling, Nutritional Therapy, as well as Caregiver Counseling and Support. If you are hurting, we see you and care. Reach out to us today!