A chronic illness can have a negative effect not only on a child's physical state but also on his or her emotional and mental well-being. It is important to address children's fears and anxieties that may arise if they have a chronic illness.
Physical and Emotional Health Affect Each Other
Mental health and physical health impact one another. Increased physical symptoms can have a negative effect on a child's emotional health. Chronic illnesses can interfere with children's happiness and how they feel about themselves. When children are distressed and unhappy, their illness may be harder to control. Many things having to do with a chronic illness can affect the child’s or teen's emotional health. Some examples include:
A child may need to complete medical tests. These can be invasive and scary.
A child may be sad and grieving because of a doctor's suggestion to remove a pet from the home or to limit the child's activities.
A child may feel "different" from peers.
Medicine side effects can affect children's moods and how they feel about themselves and their bodies.
Infants and younger children, when sick, can be clingy, lethargic, sad, fussy, mad, tearful or withdrawn.
Children and teens often feel unhappy when sick. These mood changes often improve quickly as your child begins to feel better physically. However, when a child or teen with a chronic illness has mood changes that continue or return, this may signal a problem that needs professional attention. The good news is that it can be helped.
Areas to keep an eye on are:
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Changes in school performance
Mood swings
Negative self-comments about the way he or she looks or feels
Not cooperating with medical care
Displays of strong fear or anger
Starting to withdraw from friends and family
Showing less interest in things he or she previously enjoyed
Looking unhappy, sad or angry
Fighting with siblings and friends
Beginning to talk about death.
Some children and teens can become very upset and scared about medical tests. Talk with your child's health care provider about how best to prepare you and your child for these tests. For instance, before the test occurs, your child may tell you whether he or she wants an explanation of the test or to see the medical equipment and/or room in which the test will take place. If you are worried about changes that begin to happen, talk with your health care provider about getting professional help.
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