The state of your mental health is often reflected in your physical health, and vice versa. Poor physical health such as chronic illnesses, obesity, and sleep disorders can lead to a decline in your mental and emotional health. Likewise, a waning mental state can negatively affect your body by disrupting your routine and creating roadblocks to success. Your productivity and longevity both depend on a cycle of improvement and constant maintenance. Below we’ll discuss the effects of poor emotional health on physical health, uncover some reasons why you may experience strains in your mental health, and list ways you can help yourself improve.
The physical effects of mental health
Those struggling with mental illnesses are at a higher risk of experiencing a physical decline in health. A domino effect begins when emotional or psychological distress disrupts your sleeping and eating habits, causing fluctuations in your weight and sleep patterns. Poor mental health can leave you with low motivation for completing responsibilities and unable to improve unhealthy behaviors. Studies have shown that those who struggle with poor mental health are less likely to seek routine medical care and more likely to turn towards damaging coping mechanisms. This puts them at a greater risk of developing physical ailments and chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, while also placing further strain on their mental health.
Experiencing mental health struggles are common and unique
According to the CDC, more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. 1 in 5 Americans (both adults and children) experience emotional illness, and some of these (around 1 in 25 for adults) are serious, debilitating cases. Evidence shows that psychological health changes are caused by either inherited or environmental factors, or some combination.
Besides a genetic predisposition, there are many reasons you could find yourself experiencing a change in mental health:
- Life changes - Large life changes, including moving, marriage or divorce, infertility, becoming a parent, hormone shifts, loss or change of a job, financial burdens, work-related stress, transitioning to an “empty nest”, recent health diagnoses, and losing a loved one are just a handful of common life changes that can have a significant impact your mental health. These can be worse if they are sudden changes. Even seemingly happy events such as having a new child, getting married, or moving to a new place can provoke emotional changes you didn’t expect.
- Trauma - Resurfacing past traumas, experiencing a traumatic event, or finding yourself in an abusive relationship are all major triggers for mental distress. Individuals who are stuck in abusive relationships or suffering from PTSD are at an even higher risk for declining physical health due to poor mental health. If you need help identifying abuse in your relationship or need help getting out safely, you can contact the domestic violence hotline at (800)799-7233.
- Pandemic fatigue - As we embark on the third year of the pandemic, the strain of pandemic fatigue is affecting more and more of us. The pandemic triggered a mental health crisis that has continued to grow over the last twenty months. According to an article by The Conversation, “when compared to a 2018 survey, U.S. adults are now eight times more likely to meet the criteria for serious mental distress”. Beyond waves of social isolation, many are experiencing exhaustion from ongoing risk-mitigation precautions, continued uncertainties, constant risk assessments, financial burdens, and an overall change of routine from normal life.
Ways to improve mental and physical health
If poor mental health can negatively impact your physical health, improved mental health has the same domino effect, and will lead to improved physical health. Follow these tips to improve your mental health:
- Self-care - Take time for you! Schedule time every day where you can focus on yourself. This will look different for everyone and depends on schedules, personal preferences, personal goals, and circumstances. For some people, self-care is getting dressed and brushing their teeth. For others, it’s a long walk, a visit to the gym, taking a relaxing bath, journaling, or socializing (even if it's still just virtual).
- Evaluate your social media use - More and more people have turned to social media for support during the pandemic. While social media can be a source of support, social media addiction can have a negative impact on your mental health. Check out our blog post on Social Media & Your Mental Health for more information.
- Find support - Having a support system can make a huge difference in the road to improving your mental and emotional wellbeing. Support systems are not one-size-fits-all and will look different for everyone. Your support network may be composed of friends, family, a therapist, or a support group of peers who share similar circumstances. Support groups are a great way to share your experiences in a non-judgmental place while learning positive coping strategies and hearing the inspiring stories of others.
- Relaxation and stress management - Coping with stress is another way you can help yourself improve your mood and mental health. One coping technique is relaxation. There are many actionable ways to achieve zen - practicing yoga or guided meditation, finding religious support, or learning breathing techniques. We recently wrote another blog post with more details on how to manage stress. For guided meditation, check out the Headspace mobile app. K-12 educators and support staff and college students can get a free subscription!
Recognize when you need help
Your mental and physical health are closely intertwined and depend on each other. Seeking professional counseling is a great way to improve mental health and support an improvement in your physical health. For residents of California and Nevada, Medens offers licensed, affordable therapists specializing in many areas. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to us via our online form or by calling/texting us at (833) 624-5400.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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