The narrative around mental health has changed in the last decade. It’s now widely accepted that mental health is a key part of our overall well-being, and equally as important as our physical health. In fact, it’s just like Plato wrote in Charmides, “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand.

If you have any experience with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, you might have recognized this connection first-hand. Mental health disorders like anxiety, for example, often exhibit physical symptoms. The same can be said vice versa—physical ailments can result in mental distress.

So, what’s the relationship between physical health and mental health? And why is understanding this so important? Let’s dive in.

The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health

Research shows that close to one-third of people with a chronic physical health condition also have a mental health problem. For example, those struggling with issues like cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain are extremely likely to develop difficult mental health symptoms. Now, why is this the case?

According to Mental Health America (MHA), there are a few reasons why physical health conditions often lead to mental health struggles. These include:

• Chemical or hormonal changes that happen in the body, disrupting one’s cognitive health
• Inflammation, discomfort, and pain can contribute to long-term stress and unhappiness
• Isolation (due to hospitalization or lack of mobility) can result in mental health symptoms
• Excessive worry and fear about one’s physical health can take a toll on mental well-being

However, it’s important to note that the relationship between physical health and mental health is bidirectional. Mental health conditions can also cause physical struggles and symptoms. For example, people with depression might neglect their personal hygiene and everyday health. They might not exercise, get adequate sleep, or eat proper meals, which over time can cause physical decline.

On top of this, certain mental health disorders exhibit physical symptoms, further underlining the connection between these once disparate sides of health. Anxiety disorders, for example, can manifest as chronic headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and general pain without any other explicable cause.

Again, the question becomes why? Why are physical health and mental health so closely connected? 

As we previously implied, part of this has to do with a person’s lifestyle and the risks created when struggling with mental or physical health conditions:

• If a person with a physical health condition is limited in mobility, facing chronic anxiety about their health, up against high medical bills, or living in chronic pain, their quality of life is more likely to decline. This is a breeding ground for mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
• If a person struggling with their mental health has a lack of motivation or no desire to take care of themselves, that can spiral into physical health issues. They may avoid medical appointments, healthy meal preparation, or even doing things that are good for their body—like taking walks and stepping outside. 
• In either situation, those struggling with mental health and/or physical health conditions may look for other ways to fill their cups and cope. Many turn to alcohol, drugs, or binge-eating as means to escape their symptoms, which can lead into negative health effects. 

But this isn’t the full story. There are also more deep-seated reasons for the relationship between physical and mental health. These include:

• Shared Biology: 

Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression involve real systems and processes in the body. They stem from changes in brain chemistry, trigger hormone releases, and affect the nervous system. Because of this, there is a clear connection: Mental health symptoms can disrupt the inner workings of our body, which in turn would be felt physically (especially over time). For example, chronic anxiety increases cortisol production in the body, which can raise blood pressure and weaken the immune system.

• Shared Risk Factors:

Certain risk factors can make a person more vulnerable to both physical and mental health disorders. These include genetics and family history, poor lifestyle behaviors (such as unhealthy diet or substance use), chronic stress, and sleep deprivation. Additionally, those who experience unstable or adverse living environments, lack proper access to healthcare resources, or have experienced trauma may be more at risk of certain conditions. 

• The Body’s Stress Response:

We noted “chronic stress” as a contributing factor to both mental health and physical health conditions, but let’s explore this more. When you’re anxious or overwhelmed, your body activates a natural “fight-or-flight” response. Over time, this bodily response can begin to trigger ongoing physical issues like muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, chest pain, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Studies also show that it can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular problems and hypertension.

The Link Between Physical Health and Mental Health: Why It’s So Important

The physical health and mental health conversation is an important one, for two key reasons. On one hand, understanding this bidirectional relationship allows treatment professionals to offer more integrated care and help individuals achieve whole-body health outcomes. Mental health professionals can work with physicians and medical staff to ensure a person’s symptoms are treated holistically, giving them the best possible chance at recovery.

Further, understanding the connection between physical health and mental health can help people like you recognize the warning signs of something serious. If you’re struggling with depression, for example, you now have more knowledge around the potential issues this condition can cause. When left untreated, depression can lead to cardiovascular issues, diabetes, stroke, and other physical conditions. And if you’re struggling with a physical health problem, you’ll know that mental health disorders can (and often do) co-occur. With this understanding, you’ll be better able to make changes in your lifestyle and treatment plan—as well as ask for help when issues arise.

For tips on taking care of your mental health, visit our article here.

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health facility offering personalized and integrated treatment plans to young adults and adolescents in need. If you’re struggling with mental health symptoms or co-occurring disorders, we can help ensure that all your needs are met. Contact us at 877-581-1793 to learn more.