Ask anyone who is living with Lyme Disease whether the illness has taken a toll on their mental health and I’m sure you’ll discover that a large percent of them would agree that it most definitely does. In doing some research over the years, I was shocked to learn that 28% of people living with Lyme have an increased likelihood of developing some sort of mental illness. Which in my mind means more work needs to be done to understand the illness, increase more awareness to get Lyme patients the care they need and deserve.

Since Lyme Disease has such a huge impact on your overall health, it’s inevitable that there would also be an impact to your finances, as treating Lyme can become quite costly. This heavy pull on your finances can lead to anxiety, isolation and depression. It can also have a negative impact on a person’s relationships, work life, cognitive health and emotional stability. In the most severe cases of Lyme Disease (Chronic Lyme), patients suffer for longer periods of time, even a lifetime of major nerve abnormalities, memory loss, and a host of other issues that can have an impact on their ability to function on a day to day basis.

Lyme Disease is not easy to diagnose or treat, which can be frustrating for the person living with the illness. This can contribute to the emotional toll that comes with the illness. Being told by some “You don’t look sick” or that “It’s all in your head” because so little is known about the illness. It can leave the patient feeling like their fighting the entire world and all they really want to do is feel normal.

We have a long way to go to bring about more awareness and educate society on the seriousness of Lyme Disease and the very real and long lasting impact this disease has on a person’s mental health.

Want to make a difference in the lives of those suffering in silence with Lyme Disease? Please consider making a donation to the Windy J Cumberbatch Foundation where our goal is to Empower, Encourage and Inspire those living with Lyme Disease and other chronic illness.

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