Fact or Myth? Everything They Don’t Tell You About Chronic Illness.

When we think about the word “Chronic illness,” what do most of us picture? Many would presume that somebody in a wheelchair, or in a hospital bed; unable to go about their daily lives without external help. While that may be the case for some, there is so much more to someone suffering from chronic illness that you do not hear about.
Or maybe you do hear much more about chronic disease and those suffering from it, but how can you discern whether something you have heard is a fact or mere hearsay? This blog aims to address some common misconceptions people tend to have about chronic illnesses and their symptoms, as well as replacing them with their factual counterparts.

Chronic illness affects around 95% of all U.S adults over the age of 65.

FACT
As we get older, our muscle mass decreases, and all the while, low-grade inflammation increases. Combined with lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, these create a highly susceptible environment for Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, therefore, leading to older adults developing at least one form of chronic illness.

Chronic pain/illness is always related to a physical injury

MYTH
Chronic illnesses and their subsequent painful symptoms do not always stem from physical injuries. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s, and Type 1 Diabetes can all take root without any instance of physical injury to the body.

It is important for individuals with Chronic illness(es) to rest as much as possible.

MYTH
While that may be true for advanced illnesses such as COPD and late-stage cancers, physical activity is actually encouraged for people suffering from chronic illnesses. Physical activity and exercise improve myocardial function and, therefore, the overall quality of life. (Take care not to confuse a good night’s sleep with a permanent, prescribed bed rest!
It is imperative for ALL individuals, especially those with chronic illnesses, to get their good night’s sleep as it plays a huge role in healing and cell rejuvenation.)

Chronic mental health conditions and physical health are not correlated.

MYTH
The two are very often interconnected, with conditions such as chronic depression and anxiety manifesting as physical symptoms. Said symptoms can range from indigestion and fatigue to a decrease in sex drive and appetite.

Overall, Chronic illnesses contribute to 8 out of 10 leading causes of deaths in the U.S

FACT
As unfortunate as that is, more than 1.7 million Americans lose their lives as a result of Chronic disease. Over two-thirds of all deaths across the U.S are caused by one (or more) of the following chronic illnesses- Cancer, Stroke, COPD, Heart Disease, and Diabetes.
Here at Mosaic Healthcare, we aim to provide aid to those who undergo the dreary symptoms of chronic illnesses, whether visible or invisible to the eye. We believe every single life deserves to be filled with meaning and celebrated without chronic pain hindering their ability to be as such.

SOURCES USED:

• https://www.bcbsm.mibluedaily.com/stories/prevention/debunking-myths-about-chronic-conditions
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9219321/
• https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/the-physical-signs-of-depression
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5876976/#:~:text=More%20than%20two%20thirds%20of,do%20not%20exist%20in%20isolation.