Many people keep their physical and mental health separate, but it is important to remember that both are connected. People who practice better physical habits are generally happier, and people who struggle with mental health issues tend to be on the unhealthy side. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t top-tier athletes that deal with mental issues. However, it does mean that improving your outlook on life may give you the tools you need to make healthy physical changes.

There are many reasons for this symbiotic relationship. You can learn about the importance of mental health, allowing you to improve your well-being and feel better overall.

1. Digestive Issues

When you are stressed or mentally drained, the feelings can impact your digestive health. When you are anxious and upset, your brain releases hormones into the digestive tract that inhibit the ability of your gut to function properly. That means that your gut is not processing the food in your body as well as it should. When this internal system stops working properly, it can lead to additional issues down the road.

It has been proven that by going to therapy and practicing mindfulness in our daily lives, we can learn to take control of the “gut-mind” connection and feel better overall. If you are not in physical pain, then you will have one less thing to worry about.

2. Reduced Chance of Care

If you do not get help for your mental health issues and they become more serious, then you could see a deterioration in your way of life. For instance, there is a link between poverty and mental health. The further that one falls into poverty, the worse their mental state can get. Those who live without decent means often do not have the money to pay for doctor visits and physical care, so their overall health also sees a major decline.

To stop this cycle, it is a good idea to speak to a counselor who can help you understand your issues and find ways to cope. There are many free or low-cost counseling services available, such as the website “7 Cups”, and you can use government services, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to get the help that you need.

3. Lack of Sleep

In order to have enough energy to make positive lifestyle choices, you need to get the appropriate amount of sleep. When you rest at night, your body gets a chance to relax and rejuvenate the immune system so you don’t get hurt or sick as often. You also need sleep so that you can wake up every morning feeling mentally refreshed and clear-headed to take on a new day.

If you are not taking steps to quell your stress and anxiety, then falling asleep can be close to impossible. We have all had nights where we toss and turn, but if you do that every night and aren’t getting your seven to nine hours of sleep, then your physical health could quickly begin to deteriorate. If you have trouble falling asleep, then consider going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to reset your circadian rhythm.

4. Acceleration of a Chronic Disease

While it is difficult to deal with a chronic disease, if you also deal with depression or another mental health condition it could worsen things. You could get sick faster and decrease your chances of swift recovery or remission. In order to feel better, humans need to have hope. If you don’t have someone to talk to, then things tend to get worse — often leading you to ruminate on the pain or circumstances. This may even thwart you from making an appointment with the appropriate care team. 

If you have a serious health condition and you deal with depression or dark thoughts, then it is important to call a family member or talk to a professional therapist who can help you through your struggles. Joy may not be the cure to your sickness, but by being happier and close to loved ones, you can harness that optimism to work toward recovery.

5. You May Turn To Dangerous Substances

Substance abuse and mental health issues tend to go hand in hand. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s brain and impulse control. SUD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Substances, like alcohol and drugs, offer a temporary rush of feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, to the brain. This can make you feel better for a short period of time, but prolonged use can have devastating effects on the body.

Excess drinking can lead to liver disease, and it can also result in high blood pressure and an increased chance of stroke. Smoking is terrible for the lungs and can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even cancer. There are a variety of substances that may be abused to temporarily relieve you of mental health struggles — and there is a spectrum of how much this affects your day-to-day life and physical health. If you find yourself dependent on unhealthy substances in any capacity, then going to a therapist to talk about your issues may be the turning point you need to quit and be happier.

As you can see, there are many reasons that your mental health could negatively impact your physical health. It is important to talk to people who care so you can face your issues head-on and feel better enough to care about your physical well-being.