Living a healthy life can mean a lot of things. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental health to our overall well-being and physical well-being. Until recently, discussing mental health was frowned upon by society. But new research and information are making us realize that mental and emotional health are important to living a healthy, balanced life. We at Premier Medical Group think it’s important to get rid of the stigma associated with talking about mental health and to realize that mental health is important to our overall well-being.
The CDC defines mental health as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It alters our thinking, feeling, and behavior. Additionally, it influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices. Every aspect of our lives is affected by mental health, including our relationships, employment, physical health, and enjoyment. It influences our level of productivity, stress management, and worldview. Effects of Mental Illness Left Untreated Mental health issues that go untreated can get worse over time. It can become more difficult to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy life because of what initially appear to be minor symptoms. Getting Worse Symptoms: If mental health issues like depression or anxiety are not treated, they can get worse. What initially appears manageable may, over time, become more serious and more difficult to treat. Problems with your health: a bad mental state can have an effect on your physical health. It can make it harder to take care of yourself, whether that’s managing a condition like diabetes or eating properly. Physical problems like pain, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and even early death can be brought on by stress. Stability at Work: It can be difficult to perform well at work, show up on time, or keep your job when your mental health is deteriorating. A job loss can result in financial difficulties and even homelessness. Incarceration: Mental Health America reports that “1.2 million people with mental illness are in jail or prison each year. Many times, their troubles with the law start with minor offenses like jaywalking or trespassing. People who enter the criminal justice system are more likely to live in states where mental health care is less accessible. ****
Trauma: Having poor mental health can make it harder to make safe choices. This can result in situations where people are hurt, which can cause trauma that can lead to additional issues down the road. Suicide: Suicidal ideation can result from a variety of mental health conditions. When untreated issues start to seriously impact someone’s life, feelings of hopelessness can take over. Call or text 988 if you or your loved one needs support.
The Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health Untreated mental health issues can have an impact not only on your mental health but also on your physical health. Chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and even a weakened immune system are all signs of this. For overall health, holistic mental health treatment is essential. Lifespan: According to studies, people who suffer from severe mental health issues live 10 to 25 years less than those who do not.
Chronic Disease: Long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have been linked to depression. Additionally, it may cause digestive issues, fatigue, and headaches. Stress raises cortisol levels, which have an impact on everything from your immune system to your reproductive health, and schizophrenia raises the risk of heart and lung disease. Sleep Issues: Problems with one’s mental health can lead to problems like insomnia, nightmares, and not getting enough sleep. After that, these issues with sleep may exacerbate existing mental and physical health issues. Health care: People with mental health problems frequently neglect their physical health. They might not go to the doctor or not get checked out for their problems. Because they no longer have health insurance or a job, some may not be able to get health care. Substance Use Disorders: According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 20.4 million American adults (7.9%) had both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the past year. Substance abuse harms both mental and physical health. ******
Physical Health Impact on Mental Health
Physical activity and exercise: Physical activity improves mental health by releasing chemicals in the brain that improve mood, strengthen the immune system, and bring more oxygen to the brain. It can also aid in neuroplasticity, or the brain’s capacity for change and adaptation. Sleep: Lack of sleep can have an effect on mood, anxiety, and the immune system, which in turn has an effect on mental health. Consistent sleep schedules help maintain our overall well-being and develop and maintain resilience.
Physical Illness or Injury: Anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem are all negative aspects of mental health that can be exacerbated by long-term illness or injury. A healthier body allows us to maintain our energy and navigate our daily stressors in a more consistent manner.
Diet and Nutrition: A poor diet can weaken your immune system, cause health issues, and reduce cognitive function, which can affect mental health. Your body can produce the chemicals it needs to manage stress and improve your mood with a well-balanced diet. Why You Should Discuss Your Mental Health With Your Primary Care Physician Talking to your primary care provider is an essential part of taking care of your whole self. Understanding that mental and physical health are intertwined is essential when considering health holistically. You can live your best life by giving your primary care physician complete information about your health and trusting them. Your mental health can be detected and treated early by your doctor, who can also ensure that your mental health does not affect other conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Your doctor can adjust your medications to manage any emotional side effects because some physical health medications can affect your mental health. Additionally, they can direct you to appropriate specialists or therapies.