This is sometimes called chronic Lyme disease.
Theres no cure for chronic Lyme disease and treatments can be complicated.
Read on to learn more.
Verywell / Sydney Saporito
People with chronic Lyme disease are more likely than those without the condition to feel negative.
Lyme Disease and Mental Illness
Lyme disease is associated with serious mental illnesses includingschizophreniaandbipolar disorder.
Having Lyme disease can increase your risk for suicide.
This is all frightening information.
Remember that most people with Lyme disease dont experience mental health complications.
You might consider talking to a trusted loved one about the mental and emotional effects of Lyme disease.
Exercise
Many people with chronic Lyme disease experience fatigue and painful arthritis.
One study found that even a low-intensity resistance training program reduced symptoms of Lyme disease.
In addition, peoplewith Lyme disease should eat a dietthat encourages a healthy gut microbiome.
Lyme disease itself and extensive treatment with antibiotics can both take a toll on your gut health.
At the same time, getting enough sleep can help you reduce inflammation and keep symptoms at bay.
Make an effort to get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night.
Establishinghealthy sleep hygienecan help.
Social
Living with Lyme disease can take a toll on your relationships.
Having an open conversation can help prevent damage to your relationships.
You and your loved ones may both benefit fromsupport groupsfor people with Lyme disease and their friends or family.
You might find it empowering to join organizations that advocate for patients with Lyme disease.
Practical
Lyme diseaselike otherautoimmune diseasesis often characterized by flare-ups.
With time, youll begin to understand your pattern of symptoms better.
Lyme disease is still not very well understood.
However, thats not true.
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September, 2018. doi:10.3390/healthcare6030104
Bransfield, Robert C.Suicide and Lyme and associated diseases.Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
November 2015. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000683
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
