CHRONIC ILLNESS

Chronic Illness



Chronic Illness

Introduction

Chronic diseases for example arthritis can be life changing, debilitating and can have an impact on not just the sufferer but also the family, co-workers and friends as well. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases that are wide spread in the world and tends to have prominent social implication and psychological and physical l impacts (Lubkin & Larsen, 2012, pp. 58). The term chronic disease refers to any disease that exists in an individual over a long period of time. It may also be progressive and can result in partial or complete disability or in worst cases can also lead to death, as this disease becomes more prevalent with an increase in age.

Discussion

It is quite certain to say that although illness and diseases have their direct effect on the individual who experiences it, however it is very likely to also have an impact on the family members of that individual. Chronic illness does not only have an impact on an individual physically but is also influences many other areas for example intellectually, socially and emotionally (Smith, Greenberg & Mallick, 2007, pp, 31). As it is mentioned in the case that Sue who is a 36 year old single mother has been infected with a chronic diseases called arthritis, since childhood and with this existing condition she also has to take care of her two children who are 9 and 13 respectively. Due to her condition she also lost her employment and now relies on state benefits.

This disease in short term is going to directly have an impact on Sue herself. As we know that she is a mother of two children who are very young and with her condition it is very likely to say that Sue faces major problems in being there for her children like normal mothers. Thoughts and cases like such often leads to emotional distress in short term and if this condition stays for a longer period it is also likely to result in permanent depression. Sue might be taking a lot of stress and often become very depressed, as she does not have the ability to drop her kids to school, or to cook with them, or attend their meeting. Her position as a single parent makes it worst, because if Sue had a husband it would help in sharing the burden and responsibilities and would also help in eliminating stress and tension. This emotional stress and feelings can be cause of severe diseases in long term, for example diabetes, blood pressure and several heart diseases.

The case of Sue makes it quite evident that with the passage of time the effect of arthritis become more severe and lead to serious circumstances. According to the case, Sue was employed earlier at an office but her employment tenure came to an end recently. This proves social rejection in the employment field. This will have an impact on Sue's confidence level on both, short term basis and ling term ...