As mentioned in previous sections within this toolkit, the various barriers and challenges students may face while having a chronic health condition can put a great strain on their mental health. Not only are the symptoms themselves distressing, but the process of getting accommodations, going through the health care system, coordinating within health care teams, and juggling everything on top of academics can weigh a lot on students.
Additionally, students who have a pre-existing mental health condition may find it challenging to cope with a new diagnosis and to switch their lifestyle and routine to manage their new chronic health condition (such as medication schedules, attending multiple appointments, adherence to a certain type of diet due to food sensitivity, etc).
Some of the main mental health impacts students with chronic health conditions may face are outlined below (ConnexOntario, 2025):
Grief
- The loss of identity as students may feel defined by their health condition
- Loss of normalcy and witnessing others having a comparatively normal post-secondary experience
- Grieving things one may have been looking forward to but is no longer possible due to the health condition
- Grieving the potential the student had before the onset of their health condition
Stress
- Dealing with uncertainty, in terms of symptoms as well as availability of supports (depending on the cost or access to a specialist)
- Heightened sense of stress due to the health condition
- Distress due to any change in physical appearance
- Anxiety over potential new infection or health complication
Mood
- Deep feelings of sadness or anger due to the loss of norm
- Low mood due to loneliness or lack of “normalcy”
- Frustration due to not being able to cognitively participate in classes due to mental fatigue, memory loss or brain fog
- Frustration if the healthcare system is not providing answers or meaningful support
- Frustration due to having to repeatedly explain, justify, or disclose their condition to multiple providers, instructors, or support staff
While these are real and valid feelings, it is important to help students figure out ways to live a thriving life despite their health condition. It is also important to include mental health as part of any conversation related to chronic health conditions (Turner, 2000).
