There’s a lot of buzz at schools and businesses here in NYC about mental health. The NYC Council recently voted to establish the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health as a permanent part of the city’s government. As a therapist and counselor with a background in social work, I applaud any effort to draw greater attention to the importance of mental health and to find ways to address the increasing incidence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
But our mental health is not separate from our physical health. A mountain of evidence and our own life experiences tell us that we are integrated beings – body, mind, and spirit; our mental and emotional health affects our physical health and our physical health affects our mental and emotional health.
The mind-body connection
Many studies have shown strong links between our mental and physical well-being. Research shows that psychological well-being and positive self-talk improve one’s physical health, and good physical health can promote good mental health.
For instance, positivity can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Moderate exercise can be as effective for treating moderate depression as pharmaceuticals.
The converse is also true, however; poor mental health frequently leads to physical problems, and physical problems can lead to mental health issues. Sometimes the connection is so close that it’s hard to distinguish which is the cause and which is the effect.
Mental health effects on the body
One of the most common and most damaging mental health issues today is depression. Depression has been associated with increased incidence of heart disease, irritable bowels, stroke, back pain, and certain forms of cancer. Other chronic diseases associated with depression include diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
Schizophrenia is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and respiratory disease. Anxiety is associated with muscle pain, digestive problems, headaches, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The mortality rate from cancer and heart disease is also higher among people with mental health issues.
Some 50-80% of people with mental health conditions experience sleep disorders, like insomnia and sleep apnea, and sleep disorders can worsen mental health, so it becomes a vicious cycle.
Physical health effects on the mind
Poor physical health also affects one’s mental health. People who are suffering from chronic illness are very likely to develop feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.
For instance, psoriasis, a skin condition associated with red patches and itching, can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Being diagnosed with cancer or experiencing a heart attack or stroke often leads to symptoms of depression. In fact, one-third of people with serious medical conditions demonstrate some signs of mental or emotional issues, such as depression, sleep disorders, and reduced motivation.
Improving the mind-body connection
Taking care of your body – and all other areas of your life – is critical. For most of us, the answer to healing the mind and body is simply a matter of good self-care: healthy food, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderate alcohol, no drugs, and regular medical care.
Making important lifestyle changes can be difficult, but the benefits are significant. Sometimes it helps to make the changes with another person. Share your goals with each other and then make an agreement to help hold each other accountable.
If you are struggling to make some healthy lifestyle changes or to change your thinking patterns, don’t quit. Get professional help. Do not hesitate to reach out to me or to another expert who has a long track record of helping people recover from depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. As a psychotherapist with a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral orientation, I provide my patients with the guidance and environment needed to foster self-awareness and the motivation to make beneficial changes. Reach out to see how I can help you.