Coping with comorbid mental illnesses

Comorbid mental illness means living with two or more mental health disorders or diagnoses. This can be very challenging, and can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. This article will help you understand some of the more common comorbid mental health conditions, how this might affect veterans, and outline some practical coping strategies.

How common are comorbidities?

Studies show that having one mental health condition can increase the likelihood of developing another. For example, people with anxiety may also experience depression, although symptoms may overlap. To make sure you get the support you need it's important to recognise why and when this might happen.

If you are living with mental health challenges, our team of counsellors can help. Why not get in touch today? 

What effect do mental health comorbidities have?

When several mental health disorders coexist, symptoms can severely impact your daily life. People with comorbidities may experience

Increased symptom severity - symptoms of one disorder can intensify those of another. For example, someone with both anxiety and depression may feel so overwhelmed that even simple daily tasks seem impossible

More complex treatment - standard treatments for one disorder might not work as effectively or could even worsen symptoms of the other, making finding the right treatment more complex

Lower quality of life - living with multiple mental illnesses can impact your relationships, work, and overall happiness

Physical health risks - the stress and emotional strain of having multiple conditions can lead to physical health issues, such as cardiovascular problems and a weakened immune system.

Examples of mental health comorbidities

Comorbid PTSD

PTSD can occur alongside other mental health conditions, and symptoms like avoidance or hypervigilance may contribute to depression and anxiety. Each condition can influence the other, and so intensify symptoms and complicate your treatment.

Comorbid depression

Depression is a common comorbid condition that often occurs with anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It can increase the emotional impact of other mental illnesses, intensifying feelings of hopelessness and reducing motivation to take part in activities that aid recovery.

Comorbid anxiety

Anxiety (including symptoms of PTSD) can occur alongside other disorders like depression and OCD. It can heighten feelings of fear and worry, making it harder to trust treatment and worsening the symptoms of other conditions. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and headaches.

Comorbid substance use disorders

Substance use disorders frequently coexist with mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Whilst it is understandable that people may use substances to self-medicate and relieve the distress they are experiencing, this usually worsens mental health symptoms and complicates recovery.

Comorbid mental health illness and veterans

Some veterans could face a higher risk for mental health issues due to their military experiences, especially those who served in combat or high-stress environments. These experiences can have lasting effects on both mental and physical health.

Exposure to trauma - traumatic experiences, especially in combat zones, can increase your risk of PTSD as well as other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety. As described in this article, it's not unusual to experience these together. 

Chronic pain and physical injuries - physical injuries can result in chronic pain. This pain can increase the risk of developing disorders like depression and anxiety, as juggling both physical pain and mental health challenges can be very difficult. This creates a complex relationship between physical and mental health. You can read more about this in our article on the connection between chronic pain and mental health.

Difficulty adjusting to civilian life - the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging if you struggle with a loss of structure, identity, and purpose. This shift can cause loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which can be compounded by other conditions like PTSD or substance use disorders.

Mental health and military culture - stigma around mental health can prevent some veterans from seeking help. This stigma may result in delayed treatment, worsening mental health conditions, and an increased risk of comorbidities.

Substance use as a coping mechanism - some veterans may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, trauma, or pain. This can lead to substance use disorders, which can worsen mental health conditions, complicate recovery, and increase the risk of comorbidity.

Homelessness and socioeconomic challenges - veterans are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment, and financial stress. These challenges can increase the risk of mental health issues and substance use, which can create a cycle of comorbid problems that can be hard to break without comprehensive support.

Many members of our support teams have served in the Armed Forces themselves. They can help you find the right care, so why not get in touch today?

How to cope with comorbid mental health issues

• Seek professional treatment - the first step in coping with comorbid mental health issues is to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan that meets your specific needs. This plan may include a mix of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

• Practice self-care - self-care routines, including physical activity, relaxation techniques, and balanced nutrition, can support your overall well-being and help manage your symptoms. Breathwork and mindfulness exercises like meditation can be especially useful for calming both anxiety and depression. Getting enough sleep is also an important factor in manging your overall well-being.

• Join support groups - joining support groups lets you share experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and receive support from others facing similar challenges. Connecting with those who understand can offer emotional support and practical advice. Both online and in-person groups can be invaluable for social connection and encouragement.

• Learn coping skills - developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness techniques, stress management skills, and problem-solving strategies, can help you better manage your symptoms. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques can also help you deal with negative thought patterns.

• Create a daily routine - routines can help establish a sense of normality and purpose. Setting achievable goals and maintaining a schedule can provide structure and support stability, especially for those dealing with anxiety and depression.

• Stick to your treatment plan - you may feel unsure about taking medication due to unwanted side effects, stigma, or not wanting to rely on it. However, taking prescribed medication helps you feel more stable and in control of your thoughts and emotions. Stopping suddenly when you start to feel better can cause symptoms to return and may lead to significant withdrawal effects. If you’re considering stopping, it's important to discuss it with your doctor first. 

How we can help

If you are dealing with comorbid mental health conditions, getting individualised support is an important step in your recovery journey.

Our team of mental health professionals are here to help you understand your mental health challenges and get the support that’s right for you. You can find out more about how we can support your mental health wellbeing on our get help pages.

To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.