Mental health and physical health are closely interlinked and affect different areas of life, whether it’s work or relationships. There is a powerful connection between physical and mental health; when our mind suffers, our bodies often follow. However, taking care of one can eventually improve the other.
This article provides insights into the relationship between mental and physical health.
The connection between Mental and Physical HealthÂ
Mental and physical health are linked together as both influence each other. If an individual is suffering from physical health conditions, there is a high risk of developing mental health issues. So, if you have problems with one, you are more likely to have problems with the other as well.
Here is how the connection between the brain and body is significantly linked.
1. Nervous system
The nervous system plays a major role in communicating the sensory information, actions, and movements to the body, such as the sense of feel, touch, and taste. The nervous system helps in managing the reflexes of cognitive processes.
2. Endocrine system
It works as a medium that communicates between the body and the brain. If you are facing an emotionally and physically devastating situation, your brain communicates it to your body through stress hormones. The main purpose of the endocrine system is to maintain a balance of hormones in the body.
3. Immune system
Individuals suffering from mental health conditions have weak immune systems. It makes them vulnerable to other mental and physical health conditions, particularly mood disorders, depression, anxiety, or infections.
4. Gut-brain axis
The gut-brain axis is an important system that works as a communication system between the brain and the stomach. It identifies mood issues, cognitive issues, and appetite problems.
How does physical health impact mental health?
Physical health and mental health are deeply connected. People suffering from physical conditions may also struggle with depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It involves the interaction of estrogen and dopamine. Here is how lower levels of estrogen and dopamine lead to mental health disorders.
EstrogenÂ
The brain chemicals, such as estrogen, play a major role in regulating the mood. If the level of estrogen drops, there is a high risk of developing mental health conditions like postpartum depression, psychosis, anxiety, and issues with memory. However, the drop of estrogen leads to serotonin in the brain, which causes emotional symptoms, particularly at the end of the menstrual cycle.
DopamineÂ
Dopamine is a âhappiness hormoneâ that is associated with pleasure and motivation. The lower levels of dopamine increase the risk of developing mental health conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia.
How does Mental Health Impact Physical Health?Â
Both mental and physical health conditions are deeply connected. Chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, or dementia are prone to developing physical health conditions.
Here is how mental health conditions can impact physical health:
1. Poor health habitsÂ
Mental health conditions cause low self-esteem, unmotivation, and unworthiness, which lead you towards substance abuse. Individuals feel a lack of motivation and lack of exercise, which affects their physical health.
2. Sleep disturbances
People suffering from mental health conditions have difficulty maintaining their sleep cycle. It may further lead to insomnia or sleep apnea, which causes difficulty in sleeping. Poor sleep cycles can disturb the mood and immune system, which may further lead to physical health conditions.
3. Physical Illness or Injury
Long-term illness, like cancer or other devastating conditions and injuries, leads to excessive stress, which causes mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. Moreover, a healthier body helps in overcoming stress.
4. Weakened immune system
People experiencing mental health problems, particularly stress, depression, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder, have lowered immunity. Moreover, excessive stress causes physical health conditions, such as infections, dengue, or internal issues.
5. Unhealthy lifestyle choices
Individuals with mental health conditions are prone to smoking to get temporary relief. However, nicotine provides a temporary relief, but it may further cause physical health conditions, such as damaging the cardiovascular system.
What are the ways to Stay Healthy?Â
Many individuals struggle to maintain their mental and physical health. Mental and physical health are interconnected; taking care of one can eventually help the other. Here are some tips that can help you overcome mental and physical health issues.
1. Regular exercise
To manage mental and physical health, doing exercise such as aerobics and brisk walking is crucial. Exercise helps our minds to stay healthy and boosts energy levels. People struggling with digestion and breathing issues may benefit from doing exercise.
2. Mindfulness activitiesÂ
Mindfulness activities help in relieving stress, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. People who are experiencing major physical health issues, particularly cancer and diabetes, can also benefit from these techniques.
3. Good appetiteÂ
Eating healthy and nutritious food plays a major role in maintaining mental and physical health. A good appetite, such as staying hydrated, taking proteins, avoiding the consumption of processed food, and limiting caffeine.
4. Reduced screen time
Excessive screen time can also impact mental and physical health. It makes the individuals isolated, sleep-deprived, and increases the vulnerability of getting other physical health issues, such as posture problems and eye problems.
5. Reduce substance abuse
Extreme use of substances also worsens the condition. It severely impacts both mental and physical health conditions. Substances make individuals more at risk of developing other physical health issues, such as heart issues. It also triggers mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and more.
6. Social connectionsÂ
Maintaining good social connections can help reduce mental and physical health issues. Social interaction helps in reducing isolation, makes you feel wanted, and reduces anxiety. It also helps in reducing the suicide risk and lowers the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
7. Keep a journal
Individuals suffering from mental and physical health conditions can overcome their symptoms by writing down their thoughts. It helps in managing negative thoughts and helps you find positivity, which eventually helps you sleep better.
8. Listen to music
Music is therapy for both the brain and body; it helps in managing stress and anxiety and calms your nerves. Individuals can also listen to music while doing exercises. It will help in enhancing the exercise experience.
Treating Mental health issues with professional supportÂ
A healthcare professional recommends medications and therapies, or sometimes a combination of both, to get the desired results.
MedicationsÂ
- Anti-anxiety
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
PsychotherapiesÂ
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps in managing negative thoughts. It intervenes in the thoughts and identifies the negative thoughts and changes them into helpful ones. A healthcare professional helps the individual understand the ways to react to their triggers. It can also be helpful for addressing the underlying causes of stress.
2. Exposure response and prevention therapy
In exposure response therapy, the individual is exposed to triggering stimuli. For example, if someone fears getting contaminated by germs, they are made to touch an unclean object. This gradual exposure to different levels of stimuli makes the person habituated to it.
However, exposure therapy is performed in three different ways, including:
- Vivo exposure
- Virtual exposure
- Systematic desensitization
3. Group therapy
Group therapy helps in reducing stress and stigma and provides a sense of connection. People in group therapy meet other individuals who are suffering from the same mental health condition. Group therapy consists of 5 to 15 people and is held weekly for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Dialectical behavioral therapyÂ
DBT is also a form of Cognitive behavioural therapy. It is for those people who are struggling with emotional manipulation or abuse. DBT is based on the idea that two opposing things can co-exist. In therapy, it means that you can accept your thoughts and emotions and still move on from them by changing them into productive thoughts and emotions.
Last remarks
Mental and physical health are linked together. Physical health affects the brain chemicals such as dopamine, estrogen, and serotonin. Mental health affects the overall well-being and disturbs the quality of life. Following some strategies can help individuals overcome the symptoms of mental and physical health issues. Some of the strategies are exercising, mindfulness techniques, adopting a healthy lifestyle, taking a healthy, nutritious diet, etc.
Foster your well-being at Brain Power Wellness InstituteÂ
At Brain Power Wellness Institute, we understand the significant challenges mental health can have on your life. Our team of dedicated psychiatric nurses and psychiatric practitioners provides compassionate and evidence-based treatments. We provide life-changing treatments to help you achieve health, wellness, and recovery.
Begin your path to a healthier mind by connecting with our experts today!
