Can mental health affect physical health? The answer is definitely yes. Mental health has a huge impact on physical health.
As discussed in the previous article, the number of adolescents with mental disorders is increasing. This leads to the possibility that it will be difficult for our country to achieve Indonesia’s golden generation.
So why does mental health have such a big impact on our lives?
To answer this, the WHO has clearly stated that depression – one of the mental health problems – is one of the reasons for our failure to achieve global development goals, as evidenced by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. The second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds is suicide. It is estimated that people with severe mental illness die up to two decades earlier from preventable physical conditions.
WHO also states that mental health affects all areas of life, including performance at school or work, relationships with family and friends, and the ability to participate in the community.
How does mental health affect physical health?
Brad Brenner, a therapist at NYC Therapy, explained that mental illness has a direct impact on physical health. It is not just about feeling sad or anxious – it includes a wide range of psychological problems such as mood disorders or behavioural problems. Poor mental health can affect the way we think and make health decisions, as well as fighting off chronic diseases. He also described that ignoring mental health can lead to serious health conditions such as
- High blood pressure
- High heart rate
- Obesity
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Weakened immune system
- Premature death
In addition, Avail Hospital clearly describes the link between a person’s mental health and the presence of psychological disorders towards the number of physical health concerns and chronic diseases.
Cardiac health
When we are under a lot of stress, our bodies produce excess stress hormones. The stress hormone cortisol can increase blood pressure and heart rate. If left unchecked, this can lead to chronic heart and vascular disease.
Digestive health
Mental disorders can alter the function of the digestive system, leading to increased pain and other symptoms of digestive problems.
Self-Care
A person suffering from a mental disorder tends to neglect their physical needs. This habit leads to poor eating habits and poor sleeping habits. Moreover, those who suffer from poor mental health seem to smoke which leads to other health problems.
Chronic illness
Mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia are known to be associated with some chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
What can we do to keep our bodies and minds healthy?
- Exercise regularly
Exercise not only helps our physical fitness, but also our mental fitness. It can improve our mood by increasing our endorphin levels. You can start by cycling or walking to work as much as you can. You can also do cardio or muscle training to maintain a good mental state.
- Eat well
A diet of high-calorie and over-processed foods is linked to obesity and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Instead, you need to add fruit and low processed foods to make your mind and body feel better.
- Get enough sleep
A human body needs 7-10 hours of sleep a day to keep our body and mind well. Try to get a good night’s sleep by avoiding phone calls for at least an hour before going to bed. When you get enough sleep, you can think and make decisions better. PRS.
