Your Mental Health Matters Just as Much as Your Physical Health

Let’s talk about it.

When living with a chronic illness like Axial Spondyloarthritis (Axial SpA) - or many others - it's easy to focus entirely on the physical side of things. The daily pain, staying active, managing flares, and trying to feel just a little bit better often become our main priorities. 

But in doing so, we can end up neglecting something just as crucial: our mental health.

Don’t get me wrong - all those physical aspects are incredibly important. But I often wonder if enough people truly recognize the toll that living with chronic pain can take on your emotional and mental well-being.

In my experience, the mental side of illness was, at times, even harder than the physical pain itself.

Let me share a bit of my journey.

Each day brought a wave of sadness - not just from the pain, but from what I had lost. I couldn’t put on my socks because I couldn’t lean down. Washing my hair became a struggle because lifting my arms sent stabbing pain down my spine. On top of that, I felt misunderstood, judged, and often not believed.

I remember asking my family for a walking aid when I was just 15. In school, my best friend had to help me sit down and stand up from my chair. Being so young, I didn’t fully understand the emotional weight of what I was going through - or how deeply it was affecting me.

Eventually, I had to start therapy to cope with intense anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. It was overwhelming.

What made it even worse was being misdiagnosed at 15. A doctor once told me he believed I was in pain - but that it was “all in my head.” 

That’s a conversation for another time, but it highlights a deeper issue: the mental impact of chronic illness is real, and it deserves attention.

So if you’re struggling - whether it’s coming to terms with a new diagnosis, seeking answers, adjusting to life with chronic illness, or feeling isolated or judged - please remember this:

It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to grieve. And it’s more than okay to seek help not just for your body, but for your mind, too.

You are not weak. You are not imagining things. And you are definitely not alone.

There are resources, support systems, and people out there who understand and can help you navigate these emotions. 

Your mental health matters - don’t let it be an afterthought.

If you suffer from chronic pain, please consider subscribing to whereisthehope.com, and I will make you a promise to ensure you don't feel alone.

Disclaimer: This is just my personal experience. Everyone’s journey with chronic illness is different, and what works for me might not work for someone else. I share in the hope that it helps, comforts, or resonates—but always listen to your body and consult professionals when needed.