A clear difference is often made between body and mind. But the two should not be thought of as separate when considering physical and mental health. They are strongly connected with each other. Taking care of your physical health significantly improves your mental health and vice versa. Poor physical health can cause several mental health problems.

On the other hand, physical health gets highly affected by poor mental health that leads to an increased risk of some physical conditions.

A balanced diet, quitting unhealthy habits, such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, and poor sleep, are some of the factors that can promote mental wellbeing. Experiencing or living with a chronic illness can cause many changes and adjustments such as loss of independence. Chronic physical illnesses can also lead people to anxiety and depression.

The symptoms of depression and anxiety can be treated along with many physical illnesses with proper treatment methods.

How to find a Physical Health Issues Therapist

If you are looking to find the perfect Physical Health Issues therapist it is crucial to make sure that they have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience. At Expat Therapy 4U we only accept therapists who have full professional proficiency in English and are highly experienced in working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The clinicians we approve share our values and commitment to provide high quality therapy to the expatriate community in the private sector across Europe and online worldwide. We strongly believe that therapy changes lives, and being accredited ensures all our therapists are qualified to a high standard. You can find a Physical Health Issues therapist who is insured to practice and accredited with a recognised membership body online here.

Effects of mental health on physical health

Poor mental health can lead to various physical problems that are detrimental to health. According to research, depression can lead people to cancer. Similarly, depression can lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. On the other hand, Schizophrenia is linked with increased risk of death by respiratory diseases and increased risk of death by heart diseases.

The reason is that people who suffer from mental health conditions are less likely to care for themselves or receive the physical health care that they deserve. They are less likely to balance their routine checkups such as measure of weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol.

Lifestyle Factors

These lifestyle factors greatly affect the state of your mental and physical health.

Exercise

To keep yourself physically fit and to boost your mental health, physical activity in any form is great. According to research, exercise releases good chemicals called endorphins in the brain. It is helpful in increasing your mental alertness, creating a positive mood, and making you more energetic.

Physical activity is any type of activity that expands your energy by using your muscles. For example, tending your garden or running a marathon can significantly improve the quality of your life. You can make a physical activity plan in your daily routine to get benefited.

Diet

It is an important factor in influencing the way we feel. A healthy diet should be a balanced diet that includes essential fats, complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. The food we eat can influence the management, development, and also prevent the risk of various diseases such as depression and Alzheimer’s.

Smoking

Smoking has a negative effect on both the mental and physical health. The majority of people who are suffering from mental health problems believe that smoking is helpful in relieving their symptoms. But the truth is that these effects are only for the short term.

1. Depressed people are likely to smoke twice than normal people
2. People who experience schizophrenia are likely to smoke three times more than normal people.

Nicotine is a chemical that is present in cigarettes. It interferes with the chemicals in our brains. Dopamine is found in a low amount in depressed people. Its function is to influence positive feelings in the body. Nicotine boosts the levels of dopamine in the body but for a temporary time. It also blocks the body’s natural system to make this chemical. Therefore, in order to create the positive sensation, nicotine can make a person feel as if they require more and more of it.

Mental health and long term health conditions

When treating any physical condition, the promotion of positive mental health can often be overlooked. Psoriasis is one such situation in which reaction goes beyond the symptoms and signs that ultimately affect the psychological wellbeing and quality of life.

Psoriasis

It is a physical condition that is characterized by sores of red flakes on the skin. However, it has effects beyond the visual symptoms and signs. It is also known as an autoimmune condition that is commonly caused by intense stress. In the UK, it has affected approximately 1.8 million people, and can impact physical and emotional wellbeing.

Chronic physical illness

In some researches, it has been found that 1 in 10 people suffering from physical health issues admit to contemplating suicide, 1 in 5 report of being rejected as a result of this condition, and 1 in 3 experience problems with their loved ones. In addition, approximately one third of the individuals experience depression and anxiety because of extreme physical illness. Cancer, arthritis, asthma or diabetes are some examples of chronic physical illness.

Cancer

It is a disease of the body cells. Normally, cells multiply and grow in the body in a controlled way. However, if some gene causes a fault in the genetic material, it can lead to the uncontrolled division of cells, which is termed as cancer. These cells grow and spread in the body.

Diabetes

There is a strong correlation between diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Around 1 in 4 diabetes type-2 patients experience depression and anxiety. On the other hand, the people who are suffering from diabetes type-1 also have severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Asthma

It is a condition of the airways in which a person has breathing problems. Asthma disturbs the sleeping patterns of a person. It leaves a person feeling tired during the day. Because of breathing problems, the patient cannot join in everyday normal routines and activities such as recreational activities.

Chronic pain

It lasts beyond the time expected to heal the trauma or surgery conditions. If left untreated, it can lead to devastating impacts on health. It also affects lifestyle, social interactions, and personal relationships.

Find a Physical Health Issues Therapist through the Expat Therapy 4U platform

Depression and anxiety are more deliberating feelings of disappointment and frustration that can lead to chronic health conditions. Having a chronic illness can often make it difficult to connect with friends and family members. Therefore, in this condition, accept help and support from friends and family members. Speak about your signs and symptoms to your medical health professional to get treatment as early as possible.

Further Readings on Physical Health Issues

https://theinternationalpsychologyclinic.com/problems/health-problems-counselling-london/