How Does Mental Health Affect Physical Health and How to Recover?

LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker with experience in therapy for over 20 years; Experience as a therapist and clinical director in public mental health, private practice, and in various treatment centers.
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How Does Mental Health Affect Physical Health and How to Recover?

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Most of us know that our mental health and physical health are closely related. But perhaps you aren’t aware of some of the ways this occurs. Read on to learn more about these links.

How Untreated Mental Health Issues Affect Us?

The World Health Organization states that “there is no health without mental health.” Research has shown that those with a mental health problem are more likely to have a preventable physical health condition such as heart disease. Depression is often accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. And anxiety can create an upset stomach, insomnia, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These are just some common examples of how untreated mental health issues can affect us.

Understanding the Link Between Mental Health And Physical Health

There are many links that go each way. Some are less obvious than others [1].

  • Poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic physical conditions
  • Those with serious mental health conditions are at high risk of experiencing chronic physical conditions
  • People with chronic physical conditions are at risk of developing poor mental health

Link Between Physical Health and Mental Health

As a clear example, a life-long chronic condition like diabetes is more likely to lead to [2]:

  • Stress, worry, or anxiety
  • Low self-esteem, discrimination, or stigma 
  • Loneliness, possibly due to long hospital stays or having to stay at home more
  • Anger, frustration, or grief, especially if illness limits our ability to socialize and enjoy life
  • Sleep problems, possibly caused by pain, sickness, or side effects of medication
  • Less common mental illnesses, such as eating disorders or psychosis

Link Between Mental Health and Physical Health

Research also shows that those with a mental health problem are more likely to have a preventable problem like heart disease for a variety of reasons, including [3]: 

  • Genetics: Genes that make it more likely you may develop a mental health problem may also play a part in physical health problems.
  • Low motivation:  Some mental health problems or medications may affect your energy or motivation to take care of yourself.
  • Difficulty with concentration and planning: If your mental health problem affects your concentration, you may find it hard to arrange or remember medical appointments.
  • Lack of support: Healthcare professionals may assume you’re not capable of making changes, so they may not offer support to give up smoking or cut down on drinking.
  • Being less likely to receive medical help: Those with a mental illness are less likely to receive routine checks that might detect symptoms of physical health conditions earlier.

Co-existing Mental and Physical Conditions

Co-existing mental and physical conditions can diminish quality of life and lead to longer illnesses and worse health outcomes. Changes to physiological and emotional processes, as well as social factors such as housing and income, can affect both mind and body. So the interplay of the following three factors can increase the likelihood of someone with a chronic physical condition or a mental illness developing a co-existing condition [4].

  • Biology
  • The experience of illness
  • Social factors determining health
Impact of Mental Illness on Physical Condition
Physical Impact Result
Alter hormonal balance Affects mood
Alter sleep cycles Affects healthy sleep
Psychiatric medication side effects Weight gain
Irregular heart rhythms
Psychiatric medication side effects Increased vulnerability to physical conditions
Increased susceptibility of poor physical health Co-existing conditions
Social and cognitive function Decreased quality of life and thinking and planning abilities
Decreased energy levels Diminished adoption of healthy behaviors
Lack of motivation Poor self-care
Unhealthy eating and sleeping habits Worse health outcomes
Smoking or substance abuse Worse health outcomes

In a telling study from Ontario, Canada, people living with the most chronic physical conditions also faced worse mental health than the general population. Among those with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and asthma, mood disorders were at elevated rates [4].

On the other hand, those with serious mental illness faced a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. 

These studies paint a clear picture of the links that go both ways between mental illness and physical illness.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Utah

Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health issues, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.

Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Sources

[1] Canadian Mental Health Association. Connection Between Mental and Physical Health.

[2] NHS (National Health Service (UK)). Mental health and physical illness.

[3] Mental Health Foundation. Physical health and mental health.

[4] Canadian Mental Health Association. The Relationship between Mental Health, Mental Illness and Chronic Physical Conditions.

LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker with experience in therapy for over 20 years; Experience as a therapist and clinical director in public mental health, private practice, and in various treatment centers.
LinkedIn

Liz Lund, MPA

Liz is originally from lush green Washington State. She is a life enthusiast and a huge fan of people. Liz has always loved learning why people are the way they are. She moved to UT in 2013 and completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in 2016. After college Liz worked at a residential treatment center and found that she was not only passionate about people, but also administration. Liz is recently finished her MPA in April 2022. Liz loves serving people and is excited and looking forward to learning about; and from our clients here at Corner Canyon.
When Liz is not busy working she love being outdoors, eating ice cream, taking naps, and spending time with her precious baby girl and sweet husband.