It's no secret that our mental and physical health are closely intertwined. Mental health problems can be accompanied by physical symptoms, and good mental health can positively affect physical health. On the other hand, poor mental health can negatively affect physical health. To better understand the relationship between mental and physical health, it's important to look at the World Health Organization's definition of health: a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can cause physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. In addition, research has shown that mental health problems can lead to physical health problems. A Serious Health Problem Index (SHPI) was calculated to assess the impact of health problems on functioning. The diagnoses of mood disorders, anxiety, and disruptive disorders were determined at the start of the study from structured diagnostic interviews.
Data on health problems were collected two years after the start of the study. The variables in the categories of health problems were calculated as the sum of the health problems in each category divided by the total number of health problems in the category and were weighted according to chronicity and severity. It was hypothesized that health problems related to risky behaviors would be positively associated with the diagnosis of disruptive disorder and that weight problems would be positively associated with the diagnosis of mood disorder. The occurrence and sequence of types of mental and physical health problems should be examined in larger prospective studies in this population. Positive self-talk is critical to good health, and therapy can help you identify problematic thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and replace them with more positive ones. Likewise, maintaining good mental health is often overlooked when treating medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or psoriasis. In conclusion, it's clear that our mental and physical health are closely connected.
Taking care of both your mental and physical health is essential for overall well-being. To achieve this goal, it's important to practice positive self-talk and seek help from a therapist if needed.
