Living with a chronic illness is more common than many people realize, and many Canadians carry these conditions quietly while continuing to work, parent, study, and maintain relationships. Statistics Canada reported that 45.1% of Canadians lived with at least one major chronic disease in 2021, with common conditions including arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and mood disorders. Public Health Agency of Canada data also lists common long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, osteoporosis, anxiety disorders, and cancer. (Statistics Canada)

For many people, the hardest part is not only the diagnosis itself, but the emotional adjustment that follows. As a psychotherapist in Toronto who has lived with chronic leukemia for about a decade, Reyhane Namdari understands how deeply a diagnosis can change a person’s inner world. The story of every person is unique; so are their hopes and sorrows. At Therapedia Centre, where Reyhane and her colleagues offer individual psychotherapy sessions in Toronto, they offer a space to hear those stories, support adjustment, and help clients find strength in between the lines of their lived experience.

1) What are the psychological impacts of living with a chronic health issue for adults?

Living with a chronic health condition often brings a deep emotional adjustment that goes far beyond the physical symptoms. Many adults experience a mix of grief, anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty as they try to make sense of a life that may no longer feel predictable or within their control. A diagnosis can challenge one’s sense of identity, independence, and future plans, leading to questions like “Who am I now?” or “What will my life look like moving forward?” These internal shifts can feel isolating, especially when others may not fully understand the day-to-day reality of living with a chronic illness.

Over time, these emotional experiences can impact self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being. Some individuals may develop health anxiety, while others may feel emotionally exhausted from constantly managing their condition. There is often an invisible layer of grief—not only for physical health, but for lost expectations and changes in lifestyle. Psychotherapy offers a space to process these feelings, helping individuals move from silent struggle toward understanding, acceptance, and resilience. With the right support, people can reconnect with themselves in a way that honours both their challenges and their strengths.

2) How may relationships be impacted by chronic health conditions?

Chronic illness can quietly reshape relationships, often in ways that are difficult to name or explain. In romantic relationships, changes in energy levels, emotional availability, or physical health can shift roles and expectations, sometimes creating tension or misunderstanding between partners. One person may feel guilty for needing support, while the other may feel unsure of how to help, leading to emotional distance despite good intentions. These changes are rarely about a lack of care, but rather about navigating unfamiliar territory together.

Friendships and professional relationships can also be affected, as individuals may need to cancel plans, reduce social engagement, or manage fluctuating levels of energy and focus. This can sometimes lead to feelings of disconnection or being misunderstood by others who do not see the full picture. Psychotherapy can help individuals and couples better understand how chronic illness impacts relational dynamics, while also supporting clearer communication, boundary setting, and emotional connection. With support, relationships can adapt in ways that are both compassionate and sustainable.

3) How can psychotherapy help individuals with chronic health conditions?

Psychotherapy plays an essential role in helping individuals adjust to life with a chronic illness by providing a space to process both the emotional and practical aspects of their experience. Psychotherapists in Toronto use approaches such as grief therapy allow individuals to acknowledge and work through the losses connected to their diagnosis, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps them learn how to live meaningfully alongside uncertainty. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can support individuals in recognizing unhelpful thought patterns that may increase anxiety, while mindfulness practices help ground them in the present moment and reduce emotional overwhelm.

Rather than focusing on “fixing” the person, therapy helps individuals build a new relationship with themselves and their condition. Strength-based psychotherapy highlights resilience and personal capacity, helping clients recognize that they are more than their diagnosis. Over time, therapy supports the development of coping strategies, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of control in daily life. It becomes a space where individuals can tell their story fully, feel understood, and gradually rebuild a sense of stability and meaning.

4) How about children with chronic health conditions in Toronto?

Children living with chronic health conditions often experience complex emotions that they may not yet have the words to express. They may feel scared, frustrated, different from their peers, or anxious about medical procedures and their bodies. These emotions can show up through behaviour, such as withdrawal, irritability, or difficulty regulating emotions. Because children process experiences differently than adults, it is important to provide them with developmentally appropriate ways to explore and express what they are going through.

At Therapedia Centre, Reyhane Namdari brings a specialized background in both art therapy and child psychology, allowing for a deeply attuned approach to pediatric mental health. By integrating art therapy with mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and child-focused CBT, children are supported in expressing their emotions in a safe and creative way. Through art, they can externalize fears and frustrations, while also learning practical coping and emotional regulation skills. Families who are seeking the best therapy approaches for children in Toronto, often report that this approach helps children feel seen, understood, and more equipped to navigate the emotional challenges that come with living with a health condition.

If you’re experiencing a chronic illness in Toronto and are looking for emotional support, contact us here to book your first free consultation session with one of our psychotherapists.