The diagnosis can leave the patient struggling to make sense of the world. A steep learning curve is required as the patient is presented with a new lexicon of diagnoses, symptoms, services, treatments and interventions while trying to make sense of the information provided to them by healthcare professionals. health. This new change can have a major impact on a patient's psychological health and well-being (Margereson, Trenoweth, & Margereson, 2014). The presence of comorbidities, that is, a number of conditions that a person may suffer from in addition to their newly diagnosed long-term illness, is a huge factor that could impact a person's lifestyle. person. Many people with long-term illness also have mental health problems such as depression and may direct their anger towards others. Caregivers are greatly affected by a person's comorbidities, as they face increased demands and have more responsibilities (Alexander et al., 2011). A person's mental illness can also have an effect on their physical illness. For example, peace of mind has been shown to contribute positively to pain relief, while fear, anger, and guilt all amplify pain (Bope et al., 2004). A mental health assessment is an important part of the diagnostic stage of a long-term illness given the psychological impact it can have on a person's health. Nurses must establish a relationship of trust