Mental functioning in chronically somatically ill patients

Loss of health and fitness puts the patient in an uncomfortable position of excessive overload of selfregulatory system and thus causes emotional strain and changes in different spheres of the psyche. A patient who gradually loses his/her abilities becomes susceptible to negative impulses in case his/her numerous bio-psychological needs are not satisfied. The resulting reaction is escape from his/her surroundings or struggle (aggression). Progressive and uncontrollable restriction of activity leads to a feeling of helplessness, fear, anxiety, uncertainty about the future and even horror. All chronic illnesses give rise to low mood and cause a number of negative feelings some of which, however, are typical of some people. Chronic illness is the cause of major crisis in patient's life as well as in the life of his/her family members. Value system, pace of life, our position and jobs all change and we need to reorganize many priorities but, above all, the family needs to cope with the fear, sorrow, helplessness, uncertainty, and overload. Illness increases subservience and dependence on others and also heightens the fear of misadaptation to the environment which are all expressed in low self-esteem. People with chronic illness try to boost their self-esteem and independence by trust and confidence in their own powers.