How Mental Health Affects Your Everyday Life

By Sierra Powell

Mental health is a term that covers many areas. It includes anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, and more.

There is a lot of mystery and taboo associated with discussing mental health. But mental health impacts every single aspect of a person’s life.

The Ways Mental Health Affects Your Life

Mental health affects your ability to sleep, it impacts what you eat and how much you eat, and it can affect your education choices and career. Mental health plays a role in your ability to form and maintain happy, healthy relationships. It impacts how you see yourself and by extension how you care for your physical health.

Many studies have proven beyond a doubt the link that exists between mental health and substance use disorders. Many individuals with mental health challenges turn to substances to self-medicate. Conversely, individuals dealing with substance abuse develop mental health disorders because of their addiction

If mental health illness is not treated, it can complicate and reduce the quality of a person’s personal and professional life. That is why it is imperative for people to seek help when they are dealing with mental health challenges. It not only improves a person’s relationship with others but also improves how they feel and see themselves.

Your Mental Health Affects Your Physical Health

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, has long discussed the impact emotional and mental health have on a person’s physical health. For example, in her book, “You Are Why You Eat”, she discusses how a person’s attitude toward food often reflects aspects of their mental health and impacts their physical health.

Unfortunately, many people cannot see the link between mental health and physical health. They view them as separate entities. That is why you will hear many people express ideas about mental illness that reflect the idea that it is not a physical disease. Mental health directly impacts your physical health.

Society is not fully aware of just how common mental illness is. It is estimated that one out of every five adults deals with mental illness in a year. Occasionally being depressed is a form of mental illness. Likewise, occasionally catching common cold is a sign of physical illness.

Bipolar depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviors are all examples of mental health disorders. The impact they have on people clearly shows how mental health affects physical health.

The Dangers of Neglecting Mental Health

You may doubt the link that exists between mental health and physical health. However, if your mental health is poor, your body cannot make sound and healthy decisions that fight off chronic disease. Therefore, there are links between neglected mental health and physical health complications, such as:
● Asthma
● Gastrointestinal problems
● Heart disease
● High blood pressure
● Obesity
● Premature death
● Weakened immune system
For many people, chronic depression is enough to cause insomnia, chronic fatigue, and increased sensitivity to pain. Each one of these will have serious physical repercussions.

Creating a Good Environment for Your Mind and Body

Improving your mental health involves more than just taking care of your mind. It includes doing things like exercising regularly.
When you exercise, your body releases feel-good endorphins and serotonin. This can minimize and reduce anxiety. You want to find something that works well for you and encourages you to stick with it.

Improve your diet

If your diet is full of processed foods with low nutrients, you run a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Include vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats in your meals. This will all lead to increased brain function.

Sleep is a key aspect of mental and physical health. If you don’t get enough sleep, you are likely to experience more anxiety, stress, and depression.

Strengthen your support circle

Having a strong support circle is an essential part of preventing declining mental health. Choose your friends wisely because some see mental health as a taboo subject. However, when you find friends who support your mental health, hold on to them because they are a valuable thing.

Your mental health plays a vital role in your physical health. Take your mental health seriously. If you need help, don’t delay in getting it. It could mean your life.

Author Bio

Sierra Powell is a freelance content writer who graduated from the University of Oaklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she’s not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy.  Any links on this page do not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.

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