49% of those suffering from a chronic illness are also on antidepressants according to a snapshot survey of 1,100 patients who are registered to receive repeat prescriptions from free online NHS registered pharmacy PillTime.
A chronic illness is one that lasts for a very long time and usually cannot be cured completely but may be controlled through diet, exercise, and certain medicines. People diagnosed with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, dementia, and others must adjust to the demands of the illness itself, as well as to the treatments to their illness.
Depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness because serious illness can cause huge life changes like limited mobility and independence; this can completely change the way somebody must now live and often patients get depressed as they grieve the life they used to have.
A chronic illness can make it hard for you to do the things you enjoy, and it can erode self-confidence and hope for the future.
PillTime helps you take the right medicines, at the right time, every time.
Paul Mayberry, award-winning pharmacist and PillTime founder advises on ways you can manage your condition so you don’t get these feelings:
Understand your condition
When you’re living with a long-term condition, it can be helpful to learn everything you can about your symptoms and treatment options. Speak to your doctor about any queries you might have but also use the internet to search for extra information and to connect with other patients diagnosed with the same condition as you. There are loads of patient forums online and it can often help to have support from someone going through the same thing as you are instead of a family or friend who has sympathy but can’t relate.
Also take note of what seems to ease your symptoms or make them worse and share them with your doctor; this could bring new ways to control your condition.
Take control of your health
It is advised to follow the recommended treatment plan given to you by your Doctor. 50% of those on repeat prescription do not take their medication correctly and obviously this can have a huge effect on your health. PillTime helps you take the right medicines, at the right time, every time. Medication is dispensed out of a PillTime box in easy to open pouches, clearly marked with the correct date and time of when the dose should be taken, and it’s completely free.
Exercise and eat well
Eating nutritious foods and getting enough exercise may help boost your mood, improve your mobility, and ease your symptoms.
Practice mindfulness
Taking just 5–10 minutes out of your day to switch everything off and do some mindful meditation can have a great effect on your mental well-being. Go and find somewhere where you are alone and it is quiet, close your eyes and just concentrate on your breathing, take note of how you feel, both in body and mind.
