Living with long term physical health conditions

If you are living with a long term physical health condition (LTC) you are up to three times more likely to experience anxiety and/or depression associated with this.

We recognise the additional challenges people living with long term heath conditions may face and have specially trained therapists who work with people with long term physical health conditions and worry, anxiety and/or low mood.

Living with illnesses such as Cardiac or Respiratory Diseases, Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Menopause symptoms, Chronic/Post Viral Fatigue or Long-COVID, for example, can all present challenges for you and your loved ones.

Long Term Health Conditions can impact on the quality of your life, relationships, work, finances etc. Furthermore, if you feel low, worried or stressed about your health condition, this in turn can make it more difficult for you to manage your health problems.

Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Not enjoying things you used to
• Worrying often
• Feeling wound up and unable to relax
• Trouble sleeping (too much, too little, broken nights)
• Feeling low or helpless
• Tired or lacking in energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Getting annoyed easily and increased irritability
• Feelings of guilt
• Withdrawal for social contact
• Relationship difficulties
• Feeling overwhelmed (“this is too much”)

How can NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies help?

Most people experience the above from time to time, but they can also be a sign that you are having difficulties with low mood or anxiety. It might be difficult for you to imagine that you could feel differently, given the challenges you are facing or the situation you find yourself in.

Even if this is the case we would encourage you to get in touch with us. In our experience many people who have health concerns and challenges have gone on to benefit from our service.

NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies offers psychological therapies that are known to be effective for many people with long term physical health conditions. In particular, we will teach you cognitive behavioural strategies to help you cope with stress, worry and low mood and to become more motivated, make lifestyle changes and improve how you manage your health and wellbeing.

We also work with other health care providers to ensure you will have joined up care.

NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies also offers support and treatments for adult family members and carers who may also be affected by your health problems.

Specialist support

We have specialist training in treating people with anxiety and/or depression in the context of a long term physical health condition. We offer support for people living with conditions including:

• Cardiac conditions
• Respiratory diseases
• Diabetes
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Menopause symptoms
• Chronic/Post Viral Fatigue
• Long-COVID

Currently all of our courses and group treatments are being offered digitally. Most one to one treatments are also digital or via telephone unless a clinical need is identified in which case sessions can be face to face.

Other sources of help

British Heart Foundation

BHF provide reliable, simple information about heart and circulatory diseases, and their risk factors. They also provide health, practical and emotional support.

• Website: www.bhf.org.uk

British Lung Foundation

BLF provide a helpline, support groups, web community and easy-to-understand information to support those affect by lung conditions. Additionally, they research in this area.

• Website: www.blf.org.uk

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK offer a range of services designed to help individuals manage their diabetes. Including information, an online community and support groups.

• Website: www.diabetes.org.uk

The ME Association

The ME Association support people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) through all stages of their illness.

• Website: www.meassociation.org.uk

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