How Does Mental Health Affect Physical Health?

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Posted: Jul 1st, 2022 at 12:00AM - by Melissa Tripp

There is a longstanding and close relationship between mental and physical health. It's hard to determine which comes first: poor mental health or physical problems?

Often, they're intertwined, with one condition leading to the other in a vicious cycle. However, researchers are now starting to understand how important it is to address mental health issues early on – not only for the benefit of the person with the disorder but also for that person's physical health.

So, how exactly can mental health affect physical health and vice versa? Let's take a closer look.

Relationship Between Physical Health and Mental Health

Mental health and physical health are inextricably linked. Mental illnesses are considered health disorders too and they can affect your physical health. For example, individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and migraines are more likely to develop mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, those who suffer migraines are five times more likely to develop anxiety.

Chronic illnesses can also take a toll on your mental health in several ways. Dealing with a chronic illness can be stressful and exhausting. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. This is why individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are more susceptible to developing mental health conditions. When you can't take care of your body, it's hard to take care of your mental health too.

How Mental Health Can Affect Your Physical Health

You now have a better idea of how your physical health can impact your mental health. What about the reverse?

1. Chronic Diseases

Mental health disorders can lead to chronic inflammation and place you at a higher risk for conditions like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Research has shown that people with depression are more susceptible to developing long-term ailments such as Alzheimer's and osteoporosis.

Mental health disorders can contribute to harmful changes in your lifestyle, altering your immune system, hormone levels, and how your body responds to stress. This is why individuals with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop and die from heart disease than those without mental health conditions. Furthermore, people with clinical depression are two times more likely to develop heart disease and suffer from a heart attack.

2. Weight Gain or Loss

Changes in appetite are common among people dealing with mental health conditions. Depending on the person, this can lead to weight gain or weight loss. For some, the fatigue and low energy that come with conditions like depression can lead to weight gain. For others, the anxiety and stress of conditions like anxiety can lead to weight loss.

When your weight constantly fluctuates, it can affect your overall health. If you're not eating enough, your body won't get the nutrients it requires to function properly. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. On the other hand, if you're eating too much, you could end up putting yourself at risk for obesity and all the health problems that come with it.

3. Changes in Sleep

Mental health conditions can also cause changes in your sleep patterns. This is because they can affect how your body regulates the hormones that control your sleep-wake cycle. Conditions like anxiety and depression can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Conditions like PTSD can cause nightmares and night terrors.

Changes in sleep can vary from insomnia to hypersomnia (sleeping too much) and lead to a wide variety of physical problems. It can make you more likely to get sick, worsen chronic conditions like heart disease, and increase your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating, making you prone to accidents.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

Mental health disorders can affect your immune system. If you have an autoimmune disease like psoriasis or Crohn's disease, your mental health can make it worse. This is because chronic stress can cause your body to produce more chemicals that contribute to inflammation.

Having autoimmune diseases can lead to a wide range of problems, from rashes and digestive problems to joint pain and fatigue. If you already have an autoimmune disease, it's important to manage your stress levels to keep your symptoms under control.

6 Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

It can be challenging to keep your mental health in check, especially when dealing with stress from work, school, or home life. With how much your mental health can affect other aspects of your life and vice versa, it's important that you do what you can to maintain good mental health. Here are some tips:

1. Keep Active

Physical activity has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. If you're not sure where to start, try something low-impact like walking, yoga, or Tai Chi.

2. Make Time for Self-Care

This is different for everyone, but find something that relaxes you and stick to it. Whether it's reading, taking a bath, or going for a walk. Research has shown many benefits of practicing self-care, including an improved sense of control and increased quality of life.

3. Engage in a Hobby

Hobbies can help take your mind off stressors and give you a sense of accomplishment. They can also be a great way to meet people with the same interests. Engaging in leisurely activities has been linked to a lower incidence of depression and overall better mental health.

4. Take Breaks

Understanding when your body and mind need a break is important. When you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate. This can help improve your focus and concentration and reduce stress.

5. Stay Hydrated

Adults need to drink six to eight glasses of water a day (or more) when it's hot or humid outside. Dehydration can lead to low energy and mood levels, headaches, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body and mind functioning at their best.

6. Stick to a Routine

Routines can help provide structure and stability, which can be helpful when dealing with various stressors. Having a set time for meals, sleep, and activities can help your body feel more relaxed and at ease. Forming routines and habits and sticking to them has been associated with improved sleep habits and social skills.

For season-specific advice, check out these health and wellness tips for summertime and wintertime.

When it comes to your health, aim to be proactive, not reactive. To help ensure you stay in tip-top shape, contact e7 Health for preventative healthcare solutions. Book your appointment online today!

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