Written by: Yujia Ding
Edited by: Matthew Supa
In recent years, the relationship between mental and physical health has been increasingly recognized as essential to one’s overall well-being. Physical and mental health are, fundamentally, intertwined; they significantly influence one another, and maintaining a balance between the two is crucial for leading a healthy life. To improve one’s quality of life and strengthen the relationship between these two closely connected aspects of oneself, it is essential to understand the interdependence between physical and mental health fully.
One essential element to this critical relationship is that an individual’s mental health can have significant impacts on their physical health. Studies have shown that individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to develop physical health problems. For instance, people with mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, and immune-related issues. Research suggests that chronic stress or untreated mental health conditions can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases like colds, flu, and even asthma (Aarons et al., 2008).
It has also been demonstrated in a study that high-risk adolescents with mood and disruptive behavior disorders were more prone to encountering issues related to their physical health. Such challenges might include respiratory issues, infectious diseases, and weight-related conditions–all health issues that have the potential for significant impacts on an individual’s quality of life. It has been shown that this connection is partly due to behaviors associated with mental health conditions, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance misuse (Aarons et al., 2008).
Another significant risk that individuals facing mental illness might encounter is the set of lifestyle factors that may be associated with their conditions. Depression and anxiety often contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking, all of which can exacerbate conditions related to one’s physical health. For example, studies show that people with schizophrenia or chronic depression are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which could even include experiencing heart attacks (Osborn, 2001). These findings suggest that untreated mental health conditions not only reduce one’s quality of life but may also shorten one’s life expectancy by increasing the likelihood of physical ailments.
In a similar way, physical health, in turn, may also have a substantial impact on one’s mental well-being. Chronic physical illnesses can lead to mental health issues, potentially including depression and anxiety. The psychological stress of managing long-term health conditions can also be overwhelming to an individual, contributing to emotional distress and mental fatigue. For example, individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease often experience heightened levels of stress, which has the potential to trigger or even to worsen certain mental health conditions.
It has also been shown that in adolescents particularly, physical health problems can significantly worsen mental health outcomes. The discomfort and limitations caused by illnesses or injuries they might be facing can increase feelings of frustration, isolation, and sadness. Over time, these emotions can evolve into more severe mental health problems, especially if left unaddressed (Aarons et al., 2008).
Moreover, poor physical health can have an impact on the functioning of the brain itself. Inadequate nutrition, lack of sleep, and chronic pain can lead to cognitive impairments and reduced emotional regulation. Studies have highlighted, for instance, that individuals recovering from myocardial infarction, also known as heart attacks, are at a higher risk of developing depression–which, in turn, can worsen their recovery outcomes (Osborn, 2001). These cycles of interaction between physical and mental health highlight the need for comprehensive care that addresses both aspects.
The inextricable connection between physical and mental health underscores the necessity of not only addressing both areas with the same level of effort and attention but also taking into consideration the relationship between the two. A holistic approach that integrates both physical and mental healthcare has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals living with co-occurring conditions significantly.
One example of this is the fact that early mental health interventions–particularly for youth–can prevent the onset of physical health problems. It has been found that treating mental health issues like depression early in adolescence not only has the potential to prevent complications such as obesity but also to reduce the severity of chronic physical illnesses later in life (Aarons et al., 2008).
In a similar way, improving physical health can even enhance mental well-being. Physical activity, for example, is known to reduce many of the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, such behaviors as regular exercise, healthy eating, and receiving adequate sleep may not only support physical health but can also improve mood and cognitive functioning. Consequently, it is crucial that healthcare professionals–and all individuals more broadly–focus on both physical and mental health as interconnected and equally important elements of overall well-being.
The relationship between mental and physical health has shown to be both profound and reciprocal. Mental health conditions can significantly influence physical health, and, in a similar way, one’s physical health can have a meaningful impact on their mental well-being. Addressing and understanding both aspects of oneself is vital for maintaining a high quality of life and preventing such challenges as chronic health conditions. Healthcare systems and individuals alike should adopt a more integrated approach to treatment, ensuring that both physical and mental health needs are met.
References:
Aarons, G. A., Monn, A. R., Leslie, L. K., Garland, A., Lugo, L., Hough, R. L., & Brown, S. A.
(2008). The association of mental and physical health problems in high-risk adolescents: A longitudinal study. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43(3), 260-267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.01.013
Osborn, D. P. J. (2001). The poor physical health of people with mental illness. West Journal of Medicine, 175(5), 329-332. https://doi.org/10.1136/ewjm.175.5.329
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