The Link Between Mental and Physical Health

When a person is struggling with their mental health or addiction, just getting out of bed each morning can be a struggle. The idea of preparing nutritious food or going to the gym can seem laughably far-fetched, and yet this may be some of the best medicine a person can give themselves to support their recovery. At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health in Charleston, West Virginia, we treat children, adolescents, and adults who are diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. We know how important it is to treat the whole person, and not just their mental health, to sustain long-term recovery.

Why Mental Illness Requires Immediate Intervention

Mental health can be a matter of life or death, even if the person is not actively suicidal. People with mental health diagnoses are more likely to have decreased quality of life and a shorter lifespan. This is partially due to their higher likelihood of:

• Smoking cigarettes – leading to increased heart and lung issues
• Skipping exercise – increasing their risk of developing diabetes, arthritis, and an unhealthy weight
• Eating diets that contain less fiber and more fat – contributing to obesity and heart problems
• Abusing alcohol and other drugs – which can intensify mental and physical health issues in a variety of different ways, depending on the substances used

Decreased Access to Health Care

Not only are people who are mentally ill more likely to have physical health concerns, but they may also face difficulties in obtaining medical care. Many medical doctors are not trained in mental health, and due to their own discomfort in dealing with people who have psychiatric diagnoses, they may not be as thorough in their investigations into those patients’ physical health complaints, leading them to inappropriately attribute symptoms to mental health. 

In addition, patients with mental health diagnoses are more likely to have transportation barriers, struggles to keep appointments, and difficulty expressing their symptoms and side effects from medications clearly to doctors. If they experience psychosis, patients may struggle to trust their medical team and to follow their advice. 

The Flip Side of the Coin

Not only can mental illness contribute to physical illness, but the inverse is also true. Medical problems, particularly chronic conditions, can lead to worsening mental health. There are a number of medical issues that can cause or increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How to Address Mental and Physical Health Together

Though it can be tempting to take a pill and hope it resolves mental or physical health concerns, being more proactive by layering interventions often yields better long-term results for both mental and physical conditions. The good news is that, often, doing what is good for your body is also good for your mind and vice versa. Self-care options that support overall well-being include:

• • Exercise – moderate activity multiple times per week is recommended, but even 10-15 minutes of movement has been shown to:
    • Promote the creation and release of “feel good” chemicals the brain 
    • Offer a distraction from symptoms
    • Increase confidence
    • Increase opportunities for social engagement
    • Provide a healthy coping skill 
    • Decrease symptoms of many chronic illnesses
  • Sleep – most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep has been linked to several mental and physical health problems.
  • Avoiding nicotine, alcohol and other drugs – as mentioned above, these can create or worsen mental and physical health issues.
  • Diet – not only does a healthy diet lead to a healthier body, but it can also make it easier for our brains to function as intended. This does not mean that a person has to create an elaborate, labor-intensive meal each time they eat. There are simple, easy-to-prepare options for brain and body health.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation – there are many free videos on YouTube to get you started. Practices like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can make it easier to manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety.
  • A strong support system – this can include family, friends, a therapist, support groups, members of a faith community, or anyone else who adds value to a person’s life.
  • Having purpose and joy in life – having a reason to get out of bed each day, whether that is caring for a pet, spending time with loved ones, or meaningful work, can make it easier for a person to push forward when they feel like giving up.

At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, we recognize that our patients are more than just their mental illnesses or addictions. We believe in supporting the whole person through innovative approaches and personalized treatment plans that address the needs of the mind, body, and spirit of each guest.