A greater understanding of the connection between physical pain and mental health is vital if those living with chronic conditions are to feel less alone and have a chance to pursue their chosen path

As a society, many are probably most familiar with the physical barriers that come with living with chronic illness, yet the mental health of those managing an ongoing condition is also impacted. Exploring how and why this happens is necessary on every level – for the people whose lives are directly affected, the friends and relatives who wish to support them, and the wider community – because it offers greater understanding. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to make sure the lives of those with chronic conditions aren’t constrained or made more difficult by the unconscious prejudices of society.

Here, two people managing chronic physical conditions talk candidly about the effect it has on their everyday lives as well as their mental wellbeing, while a psychologist helps those in a similar position to understand the mind-body connection and develop strategies that work best for them.

Life interrupted

Thirty-six-year-old Fez Awan, from Blackburn, Lancashire, UK, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease a few weeks after he was born. Since then, he has undergone three kidney transplants and been on every form of dialysis. Because he has a suppressed immune system, Fez is also on daily anti-rejection medication to prevent his body attacking his donor kidney while it continues to function.

His condition has affected many areas of his life, particularly his education, and influenced his decision-making: ‘I find it difficult to measure or fully explain how life has been affected, [but] some things that people take for granted, like being able to go to school, were difficult for me. My first transplant started to fail during high school and this led to me missing massive amounts of schooling, due to having to start and learn how to do dialysis.’ His second transplant, which was performed while he was studying for his GCSEs, led to a greater strain on his mental health. ‘I became anxious and stressed about my grades and how I was [going to be able] to carry on learning. My social circle at this time also all but disappeared.’