How can people with long-term conditions improve their quality of life?

Research shows that people who take an active role in managing their health often feel more confident and in control, experience fewer flare-ups or hospital visits, sleep better, have more energy, and cope better with pain and stress. Key strategies include eating a balanced diet, staying active with low-impact exercise, getting good rest, looking after mental health, and staying socially connected.

Can a long-term condition affect your mental health?

Yes. Living with a long-term condition can affect not only your physical health but also your emotional and mental wellbeing. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, or isolation are common and completely understandable. Talking to a friend, family member, counsellor, or a support service like Ben can make a real difference. You don't have to manage it alone.

Can a long-term condition affect your ability to work or your finances?

Yes, and support is available. If your condition affects your ability to work, Ben can help you explore flexible working options or workplace adjustments. You may also be entitled to financial benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or help with transport costs. Ben's advisors can guide you through applications.

What support does Ben offer for people living with long-term conditions?

Ben offers free, confidential support across four areas: work and employment (exploring flexible work and workplace adjustments); financial support (benefits guidance including PIP and ESA); emotional wellbeing (counsellors and advisors offering practical coping strategies); and everyday life advice on managing energy, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress. Call the helpline free on 08081 311 333 or chat online at ben.org.uk.

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Living with long term conditions

Q: What is a long-term condition?

A long-term condition (LTC) is a health issue that cannot be completely cured but can often be managed with the right treatment, medication, and lifestyle support. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, chronic pain, Long Covid, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In England, more than 15 million people live with one or more long-term conditions.

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What is a long-term condition?

A long-term condition (LTC) is a health issue that cannot be completely cured, but can often be managed with the right treatment, medication, and lifestyle support. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, chronic pain, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

In England, more than 15 million people live with one or more long-term conditions, and that number is growing. While managing an ongoing health issue can feel challenging, there are many ways to take control of your wellbeing and live a full, active life.

Common long-term conditions

Here are some examples of long-term conditions and ways to manage them:

Condition	Who’s at risk	Common symptoms	Ways to manage
Diabetes	People with a family history, overweight or inactive individuals	Thirst, tiredness, frequent urination, slow healing	Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, take medication as prescribed, monitor blood sugar
Long Covid	Anyone recovering from Covid-19	Fatigue, breathlessness, memory issues, muscle pain	Pace yourself, seek medical advice, try gentle activity and breathing exercises
Asthma	Family history, allergies, exposure to smoke or pollution	Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness	Use inhalers correctly, avoid triggers, attend reviews with your GP
Arthritis	Older adults, women, or those with previous joint injuries	Joint pain, stiffness, swelling	Stay active, manage weight, try physiotherapy, use medication or supports as needed
Heart disease	Smokers, people with high cholesterol or high blood pressure	Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue	Eat well, stay active, take prescribed medication, attend check-ups

Remember: everyone’s experience is different. What helps one person may not help another, so find what works for you and build a care routine that supports your lifestyle.

Taking care of your overall wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition can affect not only your physical health, but also your emotional and mental wellbeing. Research shows that people who take an active role in managing their health often:

Feel more confident and in control
Experience fewer flare-ups or hospital visits
Sleep better and have more energy
Cope better with pain and stress

Here are some ways to support your wellbeing day to day:

1. Prioritise healthy eating

Choose a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and wholegrains. Small, steady changes, like reducing processed foods or cutting back on sugary drinks, can make a big difference to your energy levels and mood.

2. Stay active

Exercise helps manage many conditions, from diabetes to arthritis and depression.

Try low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga.
If you’re unsure what’s safe for your condition, ask your GP or physiotherapist for advice.
Even 10–15 minutes a day can help improve mobility, strength, and confidence.

3. Get good rest

Poor sleep can worsen symptoms like fatigue and pain. Try keeping a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a calming routine.If you’re struggling with sleep due to your condition, speak to your healthcare provider, support is available.

4. Look after your mental health

Chronic conditions can be emotionally draining. You might feel anxious, frustrated, or isolated, and that’s completely understandable.Talking to someone can really help. Whether that’s a friend, family member, counsellor, or Ben’s support team, you don’t have to face it alone.

5. Stay connected

It can be tempting to withdraw when you don’t feel your best, but connection helps keep your spirits up. Try joining a local or online support group, sharing experiences with people who “get it” can make a world of difference.

Practical help and resources

Managing a long-term condition can sometimes affect your work or finances. If that’s the case, you’re not alone, there is help available.

Area	How Ben can help
Work and employment	If your condition affects your ability to work, we can help you explore flexible work options or workplace adjustments.
Financial support	You may be entitled to benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or help with transport costs. We can guide you through applications.
Emotional wellbeing	Our counsellors and advisors can offer a listening ear and practical coping strategies.
Everyday life	Advice on managing energy levels, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress.

Taking control of your condition

You are the most important person in managing your health. Building good habits and working with your healthcare team can make a big difference over time.

Small steps to take control:

Keep a notebook or app to track symptoms, triggers, and medication.
Attend regular medical reviews and ask questions, understanding your condition is empowering.
Set realistic goals (e.g. walking for 10 minutes, cooking one healthy meal a day).
Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Reach out when things feel tough, no one expects you to do it alone.

We’re here for you

Living with a long-term condition isn’t easy, but you don’t have to face it alone.Ben can support you emotionally, practically, and financially, whatever you’re dealing with.

Call our free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333

Chat online: Ben.org.uk

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