Sickle cell disease affects your mental health
For people with sickle cell disease, there are sometimes periods where daily life becomes challenging. For some people with the disease, this can present an emotional strain, which can sometimes develop into depression.1-4
You are not alone
Living with sickle cell disease is not always easy and requires a lot of strength.
If you have had to spend long periods of time in hospital, for example, you may be familiar with the feelings of loneliness and depression that this can cause.2 But it is not only isolation that can cause these feelings; the pain associated with your disease can also impact your mood, particularly if you experience chronic pain.2
Your disease can also impact your mental health. If you experience pain, you may have difficulty sleeping or falling asleep. Pain, fatigue and sleep disorders may be associated with depression in people with sickle cell
In these situations, it can help to know that you are not alone in feeling this way: lots of people with sickle cell disease experience these feelings.4 However, there are things you can do to improve your mental health. Get professional help from your treatment team to address your symptoms.
"You get depressed because you have a complicated disease and are forced to live with it. I am very religious, but regardless of the strength of my faith, sometimes I just feel sad."
Support from those around you
It is good to have someone you can rely on and who can support you when you need help. Look for people in your circle of family and friends who understand you and who you can trust. Alternatively, you can get in touch with other people with sickle cell disease. Support from other people can help you to cope with stress more effectively and improve your mood.
Many people with chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease find it helpful to talk to other people with the same disease. You will often find that you have the same concerns and face similar challenges. It can be very beneficial to feel that someone understands you. Find out whether there are patient groups in your area. You could ask your treatment team, for example, or simply take a look at our Community page with links to patient organisations.
You may have many different requirements as a result of your disease. For this reason, it is useful to have a treatment team comprising several specialists to support you.5 This may include a mental health specialist (e.g., a psychotherapist), with whom you can talk about your emotions and your worries.5
When you have a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, you are able to manage them more effectively. So if you know exactly how sickle cell disease impacts your mental health, you can try to take helpful steps to counteract these effects.
For this reason, you should try to talk openly about your feelings. If you find it difficult to talk about certain topics, you might find it helpful to record your thoughts in writing
A diary can help you to identify possible triggers for your symptoms and find out what helps you to feel better.6 Your
"Thanks to my doctor, I was able to attend psychotherapy on three occasions, as he made contact with therapists in my area."
Additional options to support your mental health
A positive mindset can help you to improve your mental health. Exercise has a positive effect on your mood and may even prevent depression.7 You can find more helpful tips on the Nutrition and Staying active pages.
Where to go to find help
The people around you can provide you with support – including emotional support – on a daily basis. However, sometimes you need professional support.5
Your treatment team is there to support you with your mental health as well as your physical health.5 Let your treatment team know how you are feeling and do not be afraid to ask for the support you need. You may also find it helpful to see a therapist.
It can be helpful to talk to a psychotherapist, even when you are doing well.5 Therapy can strengthen your mental health and help you to overcome difficult situations in the future. There are various benefits you can gain from psychotherapy. You will learn how to be more mindful and take care of yourself in your everyday life, how to recognise the situations that have a negative impact on your mood and how to improve relationships with your family members and friends.
People with chronic pain can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy.8,9Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you to think and behave differently, which, in turn, can improve your symptoms.10
There are various types of psychotherapy, and you are sure to find one that suits you.
Look after yourself
In addition to your sickle cell disease, it is important that you look after your mental health. Many people with sickle cell disease succeed in doing this – think about where and who to ask for support to make this easier for you too.
- Top tips for self-management
- Your wellbeing diary
- Set targets that work for you
- Get the most out of your medical appointments
