The Connection Between Physical Health and Mental Health

It includes anxiety and depression that can cause symptoms, it shows how physical and mental health are connected. Physical ill health increases the likelihood of mental health problems. Half a million people who have physical or mental health issues experience depression.

How does my mental health affect my physical health?

Research shows mental health problems can cause more preventable physical health conditions like heart failure. Mental health comes with physical symptoms. It doesn’t surprise us how mental health affects us the same way it does physical. Depression comes with headache or headache or stomach problem and anxiety comes with stomach pain. Others are sleeplessness, fatigue and difficulty to sleep problems concentrate.

Mental health affects us all

4 million people in Australia experienced a mental illness in their adult years or under 18. This will rise to 2019. Make sure you get enough sleep as sleep deprivation can worsen both poor mental health and physical health. 42% had long term health conditions3. These effects impact on people’s quality of life, medical needs and life expectancy. This can impact on family life, child development, education levels and health inequity2. Prevent and Early Intervention is key to preventing and reducing mental illness.

What does mentally and physically mean?

The word'mind' means everything to do with our thoughts mind and body, what is physically involved. Mental is the relationship between the brain and intellect. The family has a history of mental illnesses which is interesting since the physical is amazing.

What is mentally and physically fit?

Fitness is the ability to perform physically and mentally healthy and with no damage across multiple environments. Mental Health means MIND can perform in different situations.

What is the connection between mental and physical?

Having an ill mind doesn’t mean you should feel sick. Depression can come with headache, fatigue, digestive disorders and anxiety can come with stomach pain. Others are insomnia, sleep deprived mood, or lack of concentration.

Improving Mental and Physical Health

Improving mental and physical health requires a whole of life approach that addresses both aspects of wellbeing. By prioritising mental health and physical health you can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve quality of life and relationships and daily functioning. A balanced approach to both mental and physical health can lead to a more fulfilling and healthier life where the benefits of one aspect healthy life benefits the other.

How to improve Mental Health

1. Seek professional help: If you’re experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or schizophrenia, see a mental health professional. They can provide the support and treatment to manage these conditions.
2. Practice self-care: Doing activities that promote mental wellbeing like meditation, yoga or spending time in nature can improve your mental health. These activities reduce stress and increases mental alertness.
3. Develop healthy habits: Having a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet is key to supporting mental health. These healthy habits will enhance your overall mental wellbeing and prevent many mental health conditions.
4. Build relationships: Having relationships with family and friends can reduce stress and feel supported. Strong relationships are key to good mental health and can give you a sense of belonging and purpose.
5. Get physical: Physical activity is good for physical health but also mental health. It can improve mental alertness, reduce symptoms of depression and overall mental wellbeing.

What are the benefits of good physical health

Good physical health is important for mental health care, wellbeing and reducing chronic diseases. Good physical health includes:

1. Better mental health: Physical activity and healthy eating can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve mental health.
2. Reduced chronic diseases: Having a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can reduce the risk of chronic physical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
3. Better quality of life: Good physical health allows you to do things you love and maintain independence and overall quality of life.
4. Better sleep: Physical activity and healthy eating can improve a good night’s sleep which is good for both mental wellbeing and physical health.
5. Better cardiovascular health: Physical activity and healthy eating can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall physical health.

Healthy Living

Healthy living means committing to prioritising mental health and physical health. By incorporating healthy habits and exercise into your daily life you can improve overall wellbeing and reduce chronic diseases.

1. Create a healthy habit: Having a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet are part of a healthy lifestyle. These habits support mental health and physical health.
2. Get physical: Physical activity can improve mental alertness, reduce symptoms of depression and overall mental wellbeing. It’s a part of healthy living.
3. Manage stress: Doing activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction like meditation or yoga can manage stress.
4. Build relationships: Having relationships with family and friends can reduce stress and feel supported which is good for mental wellbeing.
5. Seek professional help: If you’re experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions see a mental health professional. They can provide the support and treatment to manage these conditions.

Breaking down the barriers to good health

Breaking down the barriers to good health means committing to prioritising mental health and physical health. By tackling the common barriers to physically healthy, you can improve overall wellbeing and reduce chronic diseases.

1. Stigma: Recognise mental health conditions are common and treatable. Seek help without fear of stigma or rejection is key to managing these conditions.
2. Healthcare: Having access to healthcare services including mental health professionals and physical health services is important for good health.
3. Managing stress: Doing activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction like meditation or yoga can manage stress.
4. Build relationships: Having relationships with family and friends can reduce stress and feel supported which is good for mental wellbeing.
5. Self care: Doing things that are good for mental wellbeing like being in nature or self care.