Most people think physical health has nothing to do with mental health. The truth is that these matters are intrinsically related and affect each other if they’re not appropriately addressed. People dealing with chronic body issues can experience crippling mental consequences and vice versa. Review this article to learn more about the connection between these types of health and actions you can take to make changes.
Chronic Conditions Will Damage Your Mental Health
If you have a passing disease such as the flu or something that’s not debilitating, you most likely won’t have to deal with mental issues associated with the disease. However, people who have chronic illnesses can develop depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Some examples of these chronic conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and more.
According to Family Elder Law, 5.8 million senior citizens in America live with Alzheimer’s. That disease not only affects your brain physically, but it’s also isolating and will ruin anyone’s mental health. Millions of people worldwide have to live with their illnesses for the rest of their lives. These medical issues can significantly affect your life if they’re not properly treated.
Another example of a crippling chronic condition is sleep deprivation. According to CBS News, around 70 million people in the United States are dealing with the condition, and not being able to rest correctly every night will lead to many physical and mental issues. Your mental state will deteriorate, causing low self-esteem, isolation, frustration, stress, and so much more. However, it’s essential to understand that you don’t have to sit back and let your physical and mental health control every aspect of your life. The only way to escape that hole is by doing something about it.
You Must Find Solutions and Support
Many chronic conditions, including incurable diseases, have treatments that allow people to live an everyday life. You have to take control of them before they begin to control you. See medical professionals who specialize in your condition and get their recommendations regarding medications, managing pain, and lifestyle tips.
You’ll also need the support of your friends and family most of the time. You can tell them about your situation and what you deal with daily. Sometimes, getting that off your chest can significantly relieve your mental health. You might be surprised by the number of people who can sympathize with your situation and want to help in any way they can.
Another option is finding a support group. You can search online as there are all kinds of organizations you could join with people dealing with the same things as you. Finding such kinship in strangers and talking with them about similar experiences can ease your mind.
Sometimes, fixing one thing at a time can help with your confidence and change your condition entirely. Many people feel self-conscious about their smiles, for example. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, between 20% and 25% of their patients are 21 and up. Therefore, they’ve been worrying about their teeth for a while, which affects their self-image. However, once they get treated, things can begin to change.
Hence, you should visit your primary medical practitioner and get the required references. If you talk to them about mental health, they might also recommend therapy, so you can learn how to live properly with a chronic condition. The point is to be open about your mental pain, not just your physical pain. Don’t ignore what’s going on inside your mind.
Relation Between Mental and Physical Conditions
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, people with depression are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, people diagnosed with diabetes already later experience stress and depression. Taking preventative actions to control your physical and mental state can prevent major impacts on your overall health. If you feel you are suffering from depression or if you are currently suffering from diabetes, talk to a professional today.
You can’t ignore your problems and expect them not to affect your life. Your health is connected in many ways, and it’s vital to treat everything to prevent further suffering. To stay healthy, you need to stay in control.
Elor McDori
