When life is constantly changing for young adults and kids, it’s even harder to navigate a chronic illness. You want to support them, but knowing where to start is not always easy. Chronic illness can affect so many parts of their life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the common challenges young adults with chronic illness face every day and how you can offer the right kind of support when they need it most.
What Triggers Chronic Illness in Young Adults?
Chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes, can come out of nowhere, even if they’ve been lurking under the surface for a while. As a result of two key sources, a chronic illness can be part of your genetics, and other times, it can be a result of the environment around you. For some young adults, a chronic illness can suddenly appear and completely change their day-to-day life.
The important thing to remember is that these illnesses aren’t their fault. It’s not because of something they did or didn’t do, but it’s very easy to look for something to blame. Without the right tools or experience to know how to navigate chronic illnesses, individuals with chronic illnesses or friends and family supporting them can feel lost – and that’s where Supportegy Wellness Coaching comes in. Chronic illness wellness coaching can help young adults, friends, and families adjust to the changes that come with chronic illness, providing practical ways to handle these new challenges. Whether you are looking to join a chronic illness support group yourself or to connect with a loved one, reach out today to learn more about what chronic illness support groups can do for you.
How Chronic Illness Impacts a Young Adult’s Identity and Self-Esteem
Chronic illness can make a young adult feel like they’ve lost a part of themselves. It can be lonely, especially if they’ve moved away to school or for work and no longer have their usual support system around them. And while about 40% of young adults are living with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or obesity, it’s easy to feel like they’re the only one going through it.
Chronic illness can also affect how they see their bodies and their future. It might make them doubt what they’re capable of or even who they are. Things like body image issues, depression, and pulling away from friends are common.
If you’re a loved one, your understanding and patience mean more than you might realize. Let them know you’re there for them without judgment. If you are looking for more ways to understand chronic illnesses, check out our tips on offering peer support for chronic illnesses. Wellness coaching can also offer a space to process their feelings, helping them rebuild their confidence and adjust to life with their condition.
How to Support a Young Adult with Chronic Illness
It’s not just about managing symptoms; young adults with chronic illnesses need emotional and social support, too. Unfortunately, that’s something the healthcare system doesn’t always provide. Many conditions, like Crohn’s disease or migraines, require careful, day-to-day management that can be overwhelming, especially during major life transitions like starting college or a new job.
Young adults often turn to online communities—Facebook groups, Discord channels, or even TikTok—to connect with others who get what they’re going through. Encouraging them to find support, whether it’s through a group, therapy, or even just a chat with a friend, can make a huge difference.
As a loved one, you can help by supporting their decisions and encouraging them to seek help when needed. Whether it’s finding a community or getting wellness coaching to guide them through these changes, they don’t have to go through it alone.
Join a Support Group with Supportegy Wellness Coaching
If you’re looking for ways to better support the young adult in your life, consider joining a support group with Supportegy Wellness Coaching. Together, we can create a space where they feel understood, supported, and empowered to manage their chronic illness. Let’s start the conversation and work toward a meaningful life beyond chronic illness.