Effect of Mental and Physical Health on Each other

A clear distinction is often made between ‘mind’ and ‘body’, but when considering mental health and physical health, there are effect of mental and physical health on each other.

When a person is experiencing emotional or mental distress, meeting with a counselor often is helpful.

If the problem is physical in nature, however, a physician typically is recommended. But that does not mean that these challenges are always completely unrelated.

Although the mind and the body often are viewed as separate entities, when it comes to counseling, it is important to recognize the relationship between the two in order to maximize a patient’s well-being.

Physical health can associate significantly with a person’s mental health.

Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems.

Similarly, poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions.

There is an increasing call on healthcare professionals to consider psychological wellbeing when treating the physical symptoms of a condition and vice versa.

There are various ways in which effect of mental and physical health has been shown as connected.

poor mental health can affect your ability to make healthy decisions and fight off chronic diseases.

What’s more, neglecting your mental health can lead to more serious health complications such as:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Gastronomical problems
• Premature death

Depression alone can cause chronic fatigue, insomnia, and increased sensitivity to aches and pains due to abnormal function of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders often result in persistent feelings of tiredness and exhaustion.

Some inappropriately suggest that “it’s all in your head,” but research shows this is not the case. Being mentally tired leads to physical tiredness.

Mental illness is closely linked with fatigue, and that persistent tiredness can easily lead to declines in physical health.

When someone is chronically depressed or anxious, they are less likely to engage in exercise and to quit early when they do.

Fatigue from mental illness can also interfere with basic hygiene, increasing vulnerability to disease.

Angry outbursts and the stress of anxiety are bad for the heart. In the case of anxiety, the risk of heart attack rises 9.5 fold in the following two hours. 

While youth are generally a long way away from having to worry about heart attacks, anger and anxiety involved in impulse control disorders can negatively affect their growing hearts.

Just taking care of your mind isn’t the best way to maintain or improve your mental health. Here are some ways you can improve your mental and physical health:

• Exercise regularly. Exercise can release feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that can ease depression and anxiety. Choose a program or form of exercise that works for you. This may be cardio-intense interval training or a more mindful and intention-driven yoga practice or something in between. What’s key is that you stick to it.
• Eat a healthy diet. Diets loaded with processed, high-calorie and low-nutrient foods have been linked with increased depression and anxiety. Avoid skipping meals, which can lead to fatigue and unhealthy snacking. Try to include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, like avocados, into your meals. This will be helpful for increased brain function.
• Maintain a normal sleep schedule. Not getting enough sleep has been linked with depression, anxiety and stress. The recommendation for adults is seven or more hours of sleep per night. If you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, try one of the following:
  • relaxing before bed,
  • lowering your caffeine intake, or
  • setting a stricter schedule for bedtime.
• Get support. Your social circle is also a vital aspect to preventing a decline in mental health. But mental health can be a difficult topic to discuss with peers. This often prevents people from seeking help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support.

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