Chronic Health Conditions
What are chronic health conditions?
Chronic health conditions are long‑term illnesses that can affect how a person feels, functions, and moves through daily life. They often require ongoing management and can influence both physical and emotional wellbeing. Recognising the signs and understanding how support can help can make a meaningful difference. Our clinicians are here to guide individuals through the challenges that come with living with a chronic condition, and we understand the impact of these conditions on your life and wellbeing. From feeling rubbish or living with pain, being unable to do the things you want to do, needing to make adjustments to your lifestyle, or feeling guilty that you need to reschedule plans with your friends all the time. Sometimes, you might just be sick of it all, and feel like giving up.
Support is available. Our psychologists understand the impact of chronic health conditions, and can help you to manage the psychosocial impacts of living with your condition via evidence-based treatments. There are a lot of evidenced-based treatments available that can make a big difference, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Please contact us to find a psychologist in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, or to find out more about how counselling in Footscray. We offer Medicare rebate psychologists to support with the cost of therapy.
Impacts of chronic health conditions
Chronic health conditions are the leading cause of illness and disability in Australia (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2020). Common chronic health conditions include things like cancer, back pain, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Mental health conditions can be a chronic illness in themselves, or be a by-product of a physical health condition. Often, chronic health conditions cause chronic pain, and associated conditions like anxiety, depression or difficulties with self-esteem and identity. Outside of seeking psychological therapy, Chronic Pain Australia is a peak body that connects communities to better deal with chronic pain. They support with guidance, resources and run pain support groups.
Impacts of chronic health conditions
- Reduced energy levels — feeling tired more quickly or needing extra rest
- Difficulty completing daily tasks — work or errands may take longer or feel harder
- Fluctuating symptoms — good days and bad days can make routines unpredictable
- Physical limitations — reduced mobility, pain, or discomfort affecting movement
- Impact on work or study — needing time off or adjustments to workload
- Sleep disruptions — difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested
- Financial pressure — costs of treatment, medication, or reduced work capacity
- Need for ongoing medical care — frequent appointments, monitoring, or treatment routines
Why you might see a psychologist…
- Stress and overwhelm — managing symptoms, appointments, and lifestyle changes
- Anxiety about health — worrying about flare‑ups, future health, or medical results
- Low mood or depression
- Grief and loss — adjusting to changes in abilities, identity, or independence
- Frustration and irritability — dealing with limitations, pain, or unpredictable symptoms
- Fatigue-related emotional strain — feeling mentally drained from persistent tiredness
- Social withdrawal — avoiding social activities due to symptoms or reduced energy
- Impact on relationships — strain caused by changing roles, communication difficulties, or reliance on others
- Reduced self-esteem — feeling less capable or confident due to physical limitations
- Difficulty coping with uncertainty — not knowing how symptoms will change day to day
So, what can I do?
Living with a chronic condition can be emotionally demanding. Many people experience stress, frustration, grief, or uncertainty as they adjust to changes in their health. A psychologist can help by offering tools to manage these feelings, improve coping skills, and support lifestyle changes that promote long‑term wellbeing. Therapy can also help individuals navigate the impact of chronic illness on relationships, work, and identity.
Our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence‑based support to help people feel more in control and better equipped to manage the challenges of chronic health conditions. We offer counselling in Footscray and practice in a supportive, strengths-based way. Please contact us to find out more.
Medicare rebates are available, and we offer telehealth psychologists, Workcover psychologists and TAC psychologists.
Psychology FAQs
Have a question? Take a look below… these are some of the common questions we get.
Ready to talk?
Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.