Free emotional support hotlines for chronic and physical illness in Iowa

Are you struggling to cope with a physical illness? Contact a helpline in Iowa, United States for support.

A chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening diagnosis can come as a shock. The effects of physical illness may make it hard to maintain a positive mental, emotional and spiritual outlook. There are counselors and volunteers at 0 helplines in Iowa, United States who you can confide in when you feel:

• Guilt about the burden your physical illness has placed on your family and friends.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Denial, reluctance or an inability to accept your diagnosis or medical condition.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Grief about the health, mobility, social life and peace of mind that you have lost.
• Self-hate over what you’ve become or what feel you must have done to deserve it.
• Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.
• Worry that you are a burden and no longer as active or capable as before.

Illness is usually unexpected, and it sometimes seems unfair. Perhaps the news or consequences of your illness has made you feel numb with shock and disappointment, or overwhelmed with powerful emotions. The inability to think straight or function may make you feel frustrated, anguished or useless. You are still valued.

No matter your diagnosis or medical outlook, you have the power to face the emotional challenges of physical illness with grace – but you do need support. Reaching out for help does not imply that you are weak or powerless – it simply indicates that you are human. Speak to a volunteer or counselor in Iowa, United States who understands the unspoken effects of physical illness on mental health.