Interconnectedness between Physical and Mental Health

The relationship between physical health and mental health appears to be causal in both directions, in that physical health issues significantly increase the likelihood of developing mental health problems, and vice versa.  Of folks with a chronic physical health problem, approximately one third of them also have struggles with mental health, commonly anxiety and/or depression.  This is not a simple correlation or causation though, as there are many complexities involved in our physical health and mental health as separate entities, let alone when we examine how much they intertwine and influence multiple areas of our lives.

Here are some examples of ways in which mental health needs can cause PREVENTABLE physical health issues:

• Genetics: there is a potential correlation between the genes associated with mental health issues and the genes associated with physical health issues

• Motivation: some mental health diagnoses and/or medications can cause low energy or motivation, making it even more difficult to physically take care of yourself

• Concentration: some mental health diagnoses are associated with concentration and planning difficulties, making it even more difficult to schedule and attend medical appointments

• Support and belief: unfortunately, some healthcare providers may unfairly assume that your mental health diagnosis limits your ability to make positive changes and eliminate unhealthy behaviors (drinking, smoking, etc.), thus indirectly making it more difficult to engage in positive change

• Comorbidities: some healthcare providers may assume your mental health and physical symptoms are from the same origin, thus not attending to issues that may be related to other conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. 

• Example: Depression is a known risk factor for (largely) preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases, and chronic pain 

Our mental and emotional needs can manifest themselves as physical symptoms, so this is something to be aware of and acknowledge.  Have you had any of the following experiences without any obvious other source or reason for them?

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Nausea 

• Digestive issues

• Restless

• Concentration problems

Let’s move this conversation towards the positive: what we can do to alleviate our experiences of undesired mental health symptoms and take charge of feeling better both physically and mentally!

Exercise! Physical activity releases endorphins in our brains, which improves our mental state.  Physical activity can range from something as intense as long distance running, training CrossFit, or a HIIT workout, to something more accessible like taking a walk or working in your garden.  The hope is that you engage in a physical activity that you enjoy: one that eases stress, helps you feel refreshed and more focused, or one that even gives you a sense of purpose or belonging.  

Diet!  And no, I don’t mean diet like you need to eat less, micro manage your calorie intake, or consume foods you hate.  Rather I mean diet in paying attention to what foods your consume and how they make both your body and your mind feel.  Eating foods that align with your personal and ethical values, if that is relevant to what you consume, and eating foods that are nutrient dense.  This can be a very overwhelming area of health to tackle.  A simple first step is to ask yourself, “Will eating this make me healthier or unhealthier?”  Then consider if you want to move forward with consumption based on a thoughtful choice and not one grounded in impulse or based off of a potentially heightened emotional state.  

Hydration!  Ensure you drink adequate water to fuel your body at its resting state but also that you increase that intake when participating in physically demanding activities, if you’re in a warm or hot environment, or if you are feeling unwell.  It is also important to not over-hydrate and essentially flush the good stuff out too quickly.  Depending on age and other factors, you should be urinating about every 3-4 hours, so that can be a helpful gauge to use for reference.  

Habits! 

• Attend your primary care visits regularly (medical, dental, vision)

• Advocate for yourself when something feels “off” in your body

• This might mean seeking a second opinion or finding completely new provider(s) to support your health and healthcare journey 

• Avoid unhealthy habits like nicotine consumption and binge drinking

• Spend time outside and away from technology

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgement

• Acknowledge your stressors, your experience of stress, and support completion of the stress response cycle by moving your body however is most comfortable to you in those moments 

Interested in learning more about how a physical therapist can be your partner and advocate in improving your overall health and well-being?  We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.

Bailey Van Oosbree, Doctor of Physical Therapy 

Loon State Physical Therapy