Chronic Illness & Pain 

Chronic illness and pain can be debilitating for both the mind and the body. More than 1 in 3 Australians are living with chronic pain, and Victoria University estimates that nearly 50% of Australians have a chronic illness. However, most people don’t realise that psychologists can provide support to live a better life alongside chronic illness or pain. 

Chronic pain is thought of as a physical sensation, however it can also have biological, psychological and emotional factors alongside it. If only the physical sensation is addressed, the pain will not be treated effectively. This is why seeking help from a chronic pain psychologist is important in coping with your pain. Chronic pain is classed as pain that lasts at least 3 months, or beyond normal healing time.

Similarly, chronic illness is applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Most of the time, these illnesses don’t go away on their own, and often can’t be cured completely. Working with a psychologist for chronic illness can help you to manage your emotions around your illness, live with the physical effects of the illness and maintain your self-esteem.

There are many illnesses that can be considered chronic, however these are some of the major chronic conditions that are considered a significant burden:

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Cancer

  • Depression

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Arthritis

  • Osteoporosis

  • Asthma

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Common Chronic Illnesses

We understand that living with chronic illness or pain can be a significant burden in your life. At Psychwest, our Perth psychologists are here to help you cope with the feelings, thoughts and behaviours that come along with chronic illness or pain. When you visit us for support, we’ll discuss both your physical and emotional health, including any worries or stresses that you have around your condition and its impact on you.

How We Help

Looking for Chronic Illness & Pain Support in Perth?

Psychwest has psychologists available who are experienced in providing chronic illness and pain support in Perth. 

To find out more about receiving psychological assistance for chronic illness or pain, we welcome you to get in touch with our team today to find the best psychologist for you, discuss fees and rebates, and book a session.