How Mental Health Can Affect Physical Health
Mental health effects on the physical body are numerous, and understanding one may be critical to figuring out the other. The human mind and body are connected in more ways than researchers fully understand. A person’s state of mind can have profound effects on their body function.
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Optimum wellbeing is achieved when mental and physical health is in order.
A mental illness can affect the body’s ability to function properly and reduce life expectancy by as much as 20 years. Poor mental health can affect the individual’s ability to make decisions and fight chronic diseases.
Ways Mental Health May Affect Physical Health
The following effects of mental health conditions can cause adverse physical health:
- Genetic Link
The genes that increase the risk of developing mental illnesses may also be responsible for several physical ailments.
- Reduced Motivation
Mental health challenges like depression can cause a drop in energy levels, making it difficult for patients to take care of themselves.
- Lack of Support
There’s the assumption that people with mental illnesses can’t make appropriate lifestyle changes, so they may not get the needed support to help them prevent physical ailments.
Healthcare workers may also assume that some physical symptoms are part of the mental condition and may not pay much attention. A patient with a mental illness is less likely to be subjected to a blood sugar or cholesterol checkup.
- Reduced Concentration
Mental health problems affect concentration and the ability to plan. This makes it difficult for patients to arrange medical appointments or keep them if they’ve made such arrangements.
Mental Health Conditions That May Affect Physical Health
The following mental health conditions may have significant effects on physical health:
- Depression
Depression is a common mood disorder marked by demotivation and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. It can cause changes to appetite, which can cause weight loss or gain. It can also lead to unexplained joint or muscle pain, headaches, and breast tenderness.
The disinterest associated with depression often leads individuals to make poor lifestyle choices like eating unhealthily or adopting a sedentary lifestyle. This puts people with severe depression at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Depression may also be linked to inflammation that can affect the immune system, increasing the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes. It may also decrease libido, which can negatively impact sexual function and health. Depressed patients may also have trouble sleeping, leaving them feeling stressed and exhausted throughout the day.
Gastrointestinal disturbances have also been linked to depression. Patients with depression often complain of constipation, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Anxiety Disorders
Most people experience some form of anxiety. However, anxiety disorder is diagnosed when it becomes intense and affects daily activities. The disorder has several impacts on physical health.
Anxiety rarely causes a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. However, it can lead to other digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, stomach ache, and nausea. More so, anxiety may be connected to the development of irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals.
Anxiety can lead to an increased heart rate, palpitations, and chest discomfort. It can also increase the risk of coronary heart disease and hypertension. This disorder can cause rapid, shallow breathing, and worsening respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
The fight or flight response is a protective mechanism that prepares an individual to respond appropriately to extreme situations. The body returns to its normal state after an extreme situation. Constant anxiety will trigger this response frequently and can affect the body’s ability to return to normal. The result of this will be a weakened immune system, leaving the individual susceptible to several illnesses.
- Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are mental health illnesses that affect the way individuals view food and their body images. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia is a condition marked by an exaggerated fear of gaining weight that leads to unhealthy eating habits. The condition can lead to life-threatening physical symptoms like low blood pressure, exhaustion, loss of muscle mass, hypothermia, and swollen extremities.
Bulimia is a condition marked by bingeing on food, followed by unhealthy methods (vomiting, fasting, compulsive exercising, enemas, laxative, and diuretic use) to avoid weight gain. This condition also has adverse effects on the body, like dental cavities, irregular heartbeat, dehydration, heart attack, gastroparesis, and stomach ulcers.
- Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. It’s characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and thinking problems.
Research shows that people with schizophrenia are at increased risk of abdominal obesity, weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome.
How to Care for Mental and Physical Health
Holistic healthcare should comprise steps to ensure physical and mental health. Here are some ways to care for mental and physical health:
- Regular Exercise
Exercise keeps the body fit but goes a long way in improving mood and preventing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Regular exercise for about 15 to 30 minutes at least five times weekly boosts overall mental and physical health.
- Healthy Diet
A poor diet increases the risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression. A healthy diet consists of large amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy protein, vitamins, minerals, and lots of water. Individuals should avoid added sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
- Proper Sleep
An irregular sleep routine is a risk factor for stress and other mental health disorders. Adults should maintain a regular sleep schedule and aim for at least seven to nine hours each night.
- Get Professional Help
Mental health issues aren’t diagnosed easily. People must seek expert help immediately if they suspect any sign of a mental health issue. Early detection and management are crucial to ensuring that a mental health issue doesn’t trigger a physical one. Search mental health inpatient services in Pembroke Pines to learn more about what kind of professional services are available.
Final Words
Mental and physical health are intertwined, and the state of one can severely impact the other. Therefore, individuals must not care for physical health at the expense of mental health or vice-versa. Total health comprises mind and body, so you must be intentional about nurturing both.
This was it for today. I hope you have found the article helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Have a Good Day!
