Across Pakistan and South Asia, millions of people silently battle chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, lupus, heart disease, and kidney failure. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases now account for over 58% of all deaths in Pakistan. But behind every number is a human story , someone managing not just physical pain, but also emotional stress, fear, identity shifts, and social pressure.
In this article, we highlight real, relatable stories from South Asian lives, combined with mental health strategies that actually help. Whether you’re dealing with illness yourself or supporting a loved one, these stories offer strength, comfort, and guidance.
Why Chronic Illness Affects Mental Health
Chronic illness doesn’t just hurt the body, it wears down the mind.
Imagine waking up every day unsure if you’ll have the energy to go to work or attend a family function. Imagine explaining to relatives why you can’t fast, or why you miss so many events. This emotional burden can slowly build up into anxiety, guilt, isolation, and depression.
In our culture, where health is often judged by appearance and activity, those with invisible conditions (like autoimmune disease or chronic fatigue) are often misunderstood or dismissed. Over time, this can lead to loss of confidence and even emotional numbness.
This is why managing mental well-being is just as critical as managing blood sugar or blood pressure.
Story 1: A Young Mother with Lupus Learns to Ask for Help
Fatima, 28, lives in Multan. She was diagnosed with lupus after months of fatigue and joint pain. But with two small kids and a husband who worked late hours, she tried to “push through it.” The result? Her symptoms worsened, and her emotional energy crashed.
Then something changed. Her cousin added her to a WhatsApp group for women with chronic illnesses. “I realized I wasn’t weak. I was just sick. And I wasn’t alone,” Fatima shared.
Today, she follows a strict rest schedule, journals her pain levels, and allows herself to say no. Her turning point? Learning that asking for help is strength, not weakness.
Story 2: Diabetes Didn’t Stop Him from Living with Purpose
Muneeb, 45, teaches at a government school in Rawalpindi. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his late 30s, he initially felt ashamed. “I didn’t want to look weak in front of my colleagues,” he said.
After an episode of dangerously low sugar in class, Muneeb changed course. He joined a walking group at a local park, downloaded a simple diet tracker on his phone, and began morning meditation.
“Before, I was angry at my body. Now, I work with it.” Muneeb says his biggest lesson was shifting his focus from what he lost to what he could still give, to his students, to his children, and to himself.
What Are the 5 C’s of Coping with Chronic Disease?
Mental and emotional management isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about finding daily tools that support your strength. The 5 C’s give structure to that:
Control – Focus on habits you can manage: sleep, food, pace.
Connection – Stay close to loved ones or support groups.
Communication – Express your needs honestly to avoid burnout.
Courage – Face your condition with realism, not denial.
Commitment – Stick to self-care, even on hard days.
These simple but powerful concepts can build the emotional backbone of long-term healing.
How Chronic Illness Impacts Identity and Relationships
For many, illness disrupts more than health, it changes how they see themselves.
Aliya, once the “go-to” cousin for all family functions, stopped attending weddings due to her fibromyalgia. Her absence led to gossip, not understanding. Over time, she felt “invisible.”
This is common. Chronic illness often reduces a person’s role in the home or community. But it doesn’t have to destroy one’s identity. With patience and communication, new roles can emerge, like being a mentor, a guide, or a calm emotional center.
Redefining purpose and learning self-respect, these are quiet victories in a life with illness.
Story 3: Endometriosis and Emotional Isolation
Sana, a 30-year-old HR officer in Lahore, lived with unexplained pelvic pain for years. She was told it was “just period pain,” “stress,” or “too much thinking.” After a long delay, she was diagnosed with endometriosis.
“It felt like I’d been fighting an enemy I couldn’t name,” she says.
Alongside her physical treatment, Sana began art journaling, drawing her pain, her fears, and even her anger. It helped her express what words couldn’t.
Her emotional healing began when she realized she didn’t need validation from others to believe her own pain.
How to Cope Mentally with a Chronic Illness
Managing a lifelong illness is like running a marathon. You need energy, pacing, and rest stops. Here are simple emotional tools to make the journey less painful:
Journal your emotions: Track what days feel harder and why.
Use humor: Laugh at silly symptoms or awkward moments. Humor releases tension.
Create joy routines: Listen to music, paint, or talk to someone who lifts you up.
Practice relaxation: Deep breathing, short meditations, or prayer breaks calm the nervous system.
Limit comparison: Everyone’s health story is different. Focus on your journey.
These steps don’t cure, but they strengthen.
Faith, Culture, and Spiritual Strength
In South Asian communities, faith is a pillar during hardship. Many people find comfort in Quranic verses, namaz, or zikr when dealing with uncertainty or pain. Even a small act of charity or dua can bring a sense of connection beyond the illness.
Culture helps too. Grandparents’ home remedies, mother’s prayers, neighbors bringing food, these gestures are not just tradition. They’re forms of emotional care.
Spiritual strength doesn’t mean denying pain. It means remembering that you’re more than the pain.
When to Seek Psychological Help
Sometimes, self-care and family support aren’t enough. You may need professional guidance. Watch for these signs:
Ongoing feelings of worthlessness
Frequent crying or panic attacks
Avoiding loved ones or life activities
Thinking life is “no longer worth it”
Mental health care is not a luxury, it’s a right.
Low-cost counselors are available at public hospitals, universities, or online platforms like Taskeen, Rozan, and Sehat Kahani. Speaking up saves lives.
Final Story: Turning Pain into Purpose
Kashif, a 50-year-old father of three, had a stroke that left one side of his body partially paralyzed. He spent months in silence, feeling defeated. Then his son set up a YouTube channel to help him share his recovery tips.
Today, Kashif records short videos, “How I tie my shoes with one hand,” “How to make chai with tremors.” He now receives hundreds of comments from people worldwide who feel less alone.
Kashif says, “I can’t walk fast, but I can still help someone walk easier.”
You’re Not Alone
Whether it’s your body, mind, or both that are struggling, you are not alone.
From small towns to big cities, from Karachi to Kathmandu, people are living meaningful lives while managing chronic illnesses. Their strength doesn’t come from denying pain, but from learning to live with it gently, wisely, and bravely.
If you’re reading this while feeling tired or overwhelmed, take this as a quiet message: You’re still strong. You still matter. And your story isn’t over.
TL;DR
Chronic illness affects both body and mind. Real stories from South Asians show how emotional strength, support systems, the 5 C’s (Control, Connection, Communication, Courage, Commitment), and simple daily practices help people live better. Faith, creativity, and professional help all play a role in coping. You’re not alone, and mental well-being is just as important as physical health.
Imran Shahzad, M.Sc. Psychology (BZU, 2012), shares real-world mental health tips and emotional guidance in simple English for everyday South Asian readers.