The Link Between Mental and Physical Health

Most people think of mental and physical well-being as separate entities, but research shows they’re deeply intertwined. In fact, people with severe mental disorders live 10 to 25 years less than the general population due in large part to comorbid physical issues that tend to crop up alongside mental ones.

The link between mental and physical health is a complex, bidirectional relationship that affects millions, and Drew Pittman, PMHNP, monitors the connection closely at Sound Psychiatry and Wellness. 

Thanks to advanced telehealth technology, he provides virtual psychiatric care to patients throughout Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and Massachusetts. His extensive education, training, and experience enable him to diagnose and treat a wide range of behavioral conditions and detect the physical symptoms and conditions that often accompany them.

Understanding the mind-body connection

Your mind and body influence one another in surprising ways. Poor mental health can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, heart disease, and even diabetes. It’s a two-way street: chronic physical conditions can bring about anxiety and depression. This cyclical relationship creates a feedback loop that’s tough to nail down and tougher to break.

Although there are multiple contributing factors, some are common and straightforward. For example, stress hormones like cortisol can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Similarly, mental health disorders can lead to substance abuse, poor diet, and lack of exercise, which exacerbate physical ailments.

A major barrier in addressing this issue is the historical separation between psychiatry and other branches of medicine. Often, psychiatrists focus solely on mental health without considering the physical aspects, while general practitioners may underestimate the severity of a patient’s mental health issues.

Common comorbidities 

Comorbidities are conditions that occur simultaneously. As we mentioned, mental and physical health issues often go hand in hand. For instance, studies show that people with depression are up to twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. Similarly, if you have gastrointestinal problems, you’re 7% more likely to suffer from depression and almost 9% more likely to suffer from anxiety. 

Another common combination is diabetes and depression. People with uncontrolled diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to develop depression, and depression can lead to poor dietary choices and a lack of physical activity, both of which exacerbate diabetes. 

How to break the cycle

Breaking the connection between physical and mental health issues is tricky and takes a team.

The role of health professionals

First and foremost, there needs to be better integration between psychiatry and general medicine, which is why Drew is passionate about identifying and resolving physical and mental comorbidities. 

At Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, we take a holistic approach. This means Drew looks beyond the immediate symptoms and addresses the underlying factors. 

Your role

Now that you understand the link between mental and physical health, the question becomes, what can you do? Here are some practical strategies:

Regular visits to mental health professionals and general practitioners can catch problems early. Make sure to discuss any mental health symptoms during physical exams and vice versa.

Incorporate a balanced diet and regular exercise into your daily routine. Exercise keeps you fit and mentally well by releasing stress-reducing endorphins.

Stress is bad for you from head to toe, so find a stress-buster you like that works for you. Many swear by mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to manage stress levels, but your fix could be long walks, serene music, or tea with a friend. 

Strong social connections can also alleviate stress and improve mental health. Talking to others, whether family, friends, or a support group, can be healing and cathartic.

If you’re taking medication for either mental or physical conditions, make sure to follow instructions carefully. Drew’s professional medication management services can keep you organized, safe, and on track. 

For more insights into managing your mental and physical health, call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness or request an appointment online.