Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Health

Practicing whole-person health involves not only evaluating and treating the physical condition but also considering the mental health impact on the patient. In other words, how has the mental health of a person contributed to this condition or vice versa. This multidisciplined approach is essential to successfully treating chronic disease, both mentally and physically.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), our mental health is critical – especially after the stress and isolation of COVID-19. However, your emotional and mental well-being are also affected by your mental health. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the wake of the pandemic, a share that has largely remained the same from January to June 2019 (Figure 1).

There is a strong connection between your mind and body. A person’s mental health affects their physical health, according to experts. Poor physical health can also negatively impact mental health.

Having an occasional bad day or stressful week does not mean your physical health will suffer. It is a reminder, however, not to ignore or downplay mental health struggles or chronic stress and anxiety. In the same way, you listen to your physical health needs, you also need to be mindful of your mental health needs.

These four surprising ways mental health affects physical health can help you understand how they are related:

Digestive Health

This doesn’t just refer to ‘butterflies’ or the nauseous feeling you may experience in your stomach when you’re nervous before a big event. Those sensations are just one example of how the mind can impact the gut. In fact, it’s been found that chronic depression, stress and/or anxiety can actually change the physiology of the digestive tract, impacting the way it functions, and, in some cases, intensifying pain and discomfort.

Sleep Hygiene

Not only can chronic stress and depression spur on feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy, it can also affect your ability to get sound sleep. With a lack of sleep, symptoms related to stress, anxiety and depression can be amplified, and in turn, make it even more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Eventually, this can contribute to the development of sleep disorders, including insomnia or sleep apnea.

Heart Health

There are several factors that can increase your risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, increased and sustained heart rate, and calcium buildup. Each of these risk factors can have an impact on mental health. In response to stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol, causing a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. Chronic depression, anxiety, or PTSD may increase your risk of heart disease over time.

Longevity

Because mental health has such an extensive impact on the entire body, it’s been found that severe and chronic mental health issues can actually decrease over all life expectancy. This is due to the fact that mental illness can impact everything from immune health to resilience through chronic health conditions – and beyond.

Preventative Mental Health

In everyday life, it’s hard to make time for mental health, but you don’t have to do it alone. Integrated Procare treats the mind body connection. We offer several resources to ensure everyone has the tools, support, and care they need to thrive. Preventative mental health is just a click away. Make an appointment today,