How Physical Illness Affects Mood

Many medical conditions directly influence brain function, hormones, energy levels, and overall physiological stability. These changes can trigger symptoms similar to mood disorders:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
  
  

• Sudden mood swings
  
  

• Anger or irritability
  
  

• Anxiety and restlessness
  
  

• Fatigue and low motivation
  
  

• Difficulty concentrating
  
  

• Sleep disturbances
  
  

When these symptoms appear alongside a known medical condition, it may indicate Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition.

1. Thyroid Disorders and Mood

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy. When it malfunctions:

Hypothyroidism (Low thyroid levels)

• Leads to depression, fatigue, slow thinking, and emotional numbness.
  
  

• Individuals often report low motivation and increased sleep.
  
  

Hyperthyroidism (Excess thyroid hormones)

• Causes anxiety, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, and sleep problems.
  
  

• Panic-like symptoms are also common.
  
  

With proper diagnosis and treatment, these mood issues often improve significantly.

2. Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy) and Emotional Health

Epilepsy affects electrical activity in the brain, which can influence emotions.

• Depression is common due to neurological changes and lifestyle limitations.
  
  

• Anxiety and fear may arise from uncertainty about seizures.
  
  

• Certain anti-seizure medications can also alter mood.
  
  

Psychotherapy can help individuals cope with emotional stress, improve resilience, and manage lifestyle challenges.

3. Diabetes and Mood Disorders

Fluctuating blood sugar levels affect energy and brain function, leading to:

• Irritability and mood swings
  
  

• Fatigue and lack of interest
  
  

• Anxiety due to health worries
  
  

• Depression, especially when the condition becomes difficult to manage
  
  

Living with diabetes requires continuous self-care, which can emotionally exhaust individuals. Counselling empowers them to build healthier coping strategies.

4. Heart Diseases and Emotional Well-being

Heart health and mental health are closely linked.

• After a cardiac event, patients often experience depression, fear, irritability, and stress.
  
  

• Anxiety may worsen symptoms like increased heart rate.
  
  

• Lifestyle changes and physical limitations can affect self-confidence.
  
  

Counselling helps patients rebuild emotional strength and develop a hopeful outlook during recovery.

Why Psychological Support Is Essential

Living with a chronic medical condition can feel overwhelming. Many individuals feel misunderstood because their emotional symptoms are dismissed as “just stress.” At Santhwana Institute, we recognize that mood changes are real, valid, and treatable.

Counselling can help by:

• Identifying whether mood symptoms are related to medical issues
  
  

• Teaching coping skills, stress management, and emotional regulation
  
  

• Supporting lifestyle adjustments
  
  

• Helping families understand and support the patient
  
  

• Improving treatment adherence through motivation and clarity
  
  

When Should You Seek Help?

You should seek psychological support if you or a loved one experiences:

• Mood changes lasting more than two weeks
  
  

• Emotional symptoms that began after a medical diagnosis
  
  

• Difficulty managing daily activities
  
  

• Persistent anxiety, sadness, or irritability
  
  

• Feeling overwhelmed by a chronic condition
  
  

Early support can prevent mood issues from worsening and improve overall quality of life.

Santhwana Institute of Counselling & Psychotherapy, Ernakulam

At Santhwana Institute, our trained counsellors and psychotherapists provide compassionate, confidential, and evidence-based support for individuals facing emotional challenges due to medical conditions.
We work collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to mental well-being.

👉 Reach out today — healing begins with understanding.