Exploring The Effects of Disease in Health Psychology

There is much to know about how disease affects our mental well being. When illness or accidents befall a
person, their entire life is affected. A psychologically healthy individual who gets severely injured, say, now
has many different practical issues to contend with that will in turn affect their psychological well being.
Who will take care of them while they recover? If they can’t work, how will they pay for bills or care for
dependents? If this person sees themselves as being self-reliant, how do they handle this new identity? What
if they cannot pursue their usual hobbies and interests? All of these possibilities can affect a person’s
relationships, self-esteem, stress level, happiness and belief system. Many of these issues are economic and
social in nature rather than psychological but they have a direct impact on psychological well being.
This important field of study considers how those with terminal illnesses can lead a better life. When there
is little hope of recovery, health psychologists can improve the quality of life of the patient by helping them
to recover their mental well-being.