Many people in the United States currently live with chronic illness. The number of people with chronic conditions is expected to increase by 2030. In 2024, the number was stated to be approximately 129 million. The 2030 number of chronic illness sufferers in the U.S. could be about 170 million. Arthritis, asthma, and diabetes are chronic conditions people may face.
Chronic illnesses are long-lasting. They may impede participation in daily activities. In addition, a chronic condition may have impacts beyond its immediate physical symptoms. People may experience fatigue and depression. They may also experience stress. Stress may be accompanied by conditions such as difficulty sleeping. Finding sources of mental health support can help with the extra impacts of chronic illnesses. This support can happen individually or with others, depending on what would be beneficial.
Chronic Illness Statistics
The American Hospital Association (AHA) features a conceptual organization system called Health for Life. The AHA explains this system “is a framework… to improve America’s health and health care.” This framework emphasizes prioritizing wellness steps and offering useful health information. Health for Life has put out a statistical overview of chronic ailments that impact Americans. This overview was published in 2007. It estimates how many Americans dealt with chronic illness at the time of publication.
The number presented is 133 million. This is stated to be slightly under half of the U.S. population at the time. The same statistic is mentioned in a 2018 study. This study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study mentions 45% as the percentage of the U.S. population suffering from chronic illness.
A 2024 study in Preventing Chronic Disease presents a different estimated statistic. The approximate number provided is 129 million people. In addition, a 2030 prediction states that an increase could be imminent. The prediction states that around 170 million Americans may have at least one chronic condition. The prediction for 2030 was presented by Health for Life.
Chronic Illness Overview
Chronic illnesses can be described as long-lasting conditions. They are different from acute illnesses, from which recovery is often quick. Cleveland Clinic explains that chronic conditions may be present “for a year or more.” Daily life activities may be arduous. In addition, regular care provided by medical professionals may be a necessity. Diabetes is a chronic illness from which people may suffer. Asthma and arthritis are also chronic conditions.
Impacts of chronic conditions may go beyond physical symptoms. Pain may accompany chronic illnesses. Cleveland Clinic states that there may be “invisible symptoms… like fatigue and mood disorders.” Anxiety may be part of the chronic illness experience. Depression may, as well. In addition, there may be uncertainty while dealing with stressful situations. Stress can bring its symptoms, such as headaches and sleeping difficulties. If stress symptoms are experienced, it can be helpful to seek out a mental health practitioner. This can help with coping with various aspects of living with a chronic illness.
Finding Help for Stressful Emotions
Cleveland Clinic lists “sources and signals of stress” connected with chronic conditions. Illness and illness-related disabilities can be causes of stress. So can financial hardships related to managing and treating the condition. The disease may not follow a predictable trajectory. It may be difficult to plan for the future. Body aches, tiredness, and tension may indicate the presence of stress. So can feeling irritable and losing enthusiasm for previously enjoyable activities. Cleveland Clinic advises finding help with managing the stress associated with a chronic condition.
Teaming up with a helpful mental health practitioner can help with a sense of proactivity. Individual counseling is one option. This may be a good forum for expressing personal and sensitive emotions. Cleveland Clinic explains that there are practitioners with “extensive training in coping with chronic illnesses.” Finding a support group could also be a helpful choice. Cleveland Clinic states: “Support groups are a useful sharing experience.” People can talk about strategies for managing illnesses. They can also learn from one another. Couples and families can also meet together to benefit from helpful counseling sessions.
