Living with a chronic illness is a journey—one filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. Some days feel manageable, while others feel impossible. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had moments when you’ve felt completely alone in your struggles. But the truth is, you’re not alone, and there are so many incredible resources out there to support your mental health along the way.

Over the years, I’ve found a handful of tools, organizations, and practices that have truly helped me navigate life with chronic illness. Whether you’re looking for better sleep, a sense of community, professional mental health support, or just a daily reminder that you are worthy and strong, these resources have been game-changers for me.

1. Calm App – Better Sleep and Guided Meditation

One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced with chronic illness is sleep. Pain, anxiety, and the never-ending mental to-do list can make falling asleep feel impossible. That’s where the Calm App comes in. This app is packed with guided meditations, sleep stories (I highly recommend the ones narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey!), and gentle soundscapes to help quiet a racing mind.

I started using Calm a few years ago, and it has made such a difference in my ability to relax before bed. Even on the nights when sleep still doesn’t come easy, just listening to a soothing meditation helps my body feel a little more at ease. Plus, they have short meditations for stress relief, anxiety, and even chronic pain—so it’s useful beyond just bedtime.

2. Self Care Is For Everyone – Daily Affirmations on a Shirt

When you’re living with chronic illness, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your own body. There are days when I feel like my body is working against me, and in those moments, I need reminders that I am still worthy of care and compassion. That’s why I love Self Care Is For Everyone—a brand that creates empowering, mental health-focused apparel with messages like “You Are Enough” and “One Day At A Time.”

Wearing one of their shirts feels like wrapping myself in a reminder that I deserve kindness, even on the hardest days. And beyond the clothing, the brand itself is committed to sharing mental health resources and uplifting stories, which makes supporting them even more meaningful.

3. TalkSpace – Flexible Therapy at Your Fingertips

Finding the right therapist when you have a chronic illness can be tough. You need someone who understands the emotional and physical toll of your condition, and sometimes, leaving the house for therapy just isn’t an option. That’s why TalkSpace has been such a helpful resource.

With TalkSpace, you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home through text, voice, or video messaging. It’s flexible, affordable, and, most importantly, accessible—especially for those of us who may not always have the energy for in-person appointments. Having a therapist who understands my journey with chronic illness has been invaluable, and TalkSpace made it so much easier to find that connection.

4. To Write Love On Her Arms – Mental Health Resources & Encouraging Stories

If you haven’t heard of To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) yet, let me introduce you to one of the most beautiful mental health organizations out there. TWLOHA is dedicated to providing hope, encouragement, and resources for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts.

What I love most about TWLOHA is the storytelling aspect. They regularly share personal stories from people who have walked through the hardest seasons of their lives and come out on the other side. Reading these stories has helped me feel less alone in my own struggles. They also provide a list of resources for therapy, crisis support, and community connection, making it a great place to turn when you need a little extra help.

5. 988 Hotline – Immediate Support When You Need It Most

Let’s be real—there are days when the weight of chronic illness feels unbearable. The physical pain, the emotional exhaustion, and the isolation can be overwhelming. If you ever find yourself in a place where you need immediate support, please remember that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is there for you.

By dialing or texting 988, you can connect with trained crisis counselors who are ready to listen and help, 24/7. You don’t have to be at rock bottom to call—if you’re struggling, if you just need someone to talk to, if you feel like no one understands, this hotline is there. I know reaching out can feel scary, but you are never a burden for needing help.

6. The Moth Podcast – Finding Connection Through Storytelling

One of the hardest parts of living with chronic illness is the feeling that no one else understands. That’s why I love The Moth, a podcast dedicated to real people sharing real stories about their lives.

Some stories are funny, some are heartbreaking, and some are just plain inspiring—but they all remind me of one thing: we are never as alone as we think we are. Listening to The Moth has helped me reframe my own experiences, seeing them as part of a larger human experience rather than something isolating. If you ever need a reminder that your story matters, give this podcast a listen.

7. Local Community Groups – Finding Your People

Lastly, one of the most underrated mental health resources is community. Chronic illness can be so isolating, but connecting with others who share your experiences—or even just similar interests and hobbies—can make such a difference.

Look for local support groups for people with chronic illness, but don’t stop there. Find a book club, a creative writing group, a knitting circle, or a gentle yoga class. Anything that helps you feel connected to something bigger than your illness. If you’re not sure where to start, websites like Meetup and Facebook Groups can help you find local gatherings.

I’ve found so much comfort in small, unexpected communities—whether it’s an online group of fellow spoonies or a local art class where no one even knows about my illness. Sometimes, just being around people who accept you as you are is the best kind of therapy.

You Are Not Alone

If you’re living with chronic illness, please know that your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. And it’s okay to lean on resources that make this journey a little easier.

These are just a few of the tools that have helped me navigate the highs and lows of chronic illness, but I’d love to hear from you—what mental health resources have made a difference in your life? Let’s keep this conversation going and remind each other that we don’t have to do this alone. 💙