Chronic illness and depression Chronic illness is a general term for illnesses that do not constitute a contagion and have a long-term accumulation of disease-forming damage. These diseases last for a long time and are usually not completely curable, but can be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle habits and certain medications. However, chronic diseases can have a range of consequences, including psychological problems, due to long-term illness. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis (MS) may contribute to the development of depressive disorders. In addition, hypothyroidism may also lead to depressed mood. A poor psychological state may interfere with the ability of patients with chronic diseases to manage themselves, exacerbate their condition, reduce quality of life and lead to increased healthcare costs. Researchers believe that treating depression also leads to improvements in coexisting disorders, and some studies have shown that treating depression has positive effects on patients’ quality of life and tolerance of somatic symptoms. Chronic pain and depression If pain persists for weeks to months without relief, it is called chronic pain. Chronic pain not only takes a toll on your body, it also affects sleep, motor function, relationships and productivity, and likewise, it can make you feel sad, isolated and depressed. Chronic pain is a heavy burden to live with. And the depression that builds up on top of it (one of the most common problems faced by people with chronic pain) can make that burden even heavier. Depression can magnify pain and make it more difficult to cope with. However, don’t be overly pessimistic; the good news is that there is a lot of help available for chronic pain and depression these days, with programs such as multidimensional medicine, psychotherapy, support groups and more, effective treatment can help you manage your pain, ease your depression and get your life back on track.