Our body and mind are always treated as separate entities and the link between both of them is commonly misunderstood. But the truth is that mental health depends on physical health and the reverse holds good as well. WHO defines health as a state of total physical, mental and social well being. Mental health has a direct impact on physical health and vice versa. For example, people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness are most likely to suffer depression and self-hatred. And people who have suffered a head injury in the past are known to develop psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia later in their life when they encounter other stress or such as the death of mother or spouse
The association between mental and physical health are that poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic physical conditions. And likewise, people with chronic physical problems are at risk of developing poor mental health. People with serious physical health conditions are at risk of experiencing acute or chronic mental health problems. Understanding the link between the two health spectrum helps in exacerbating the health issue and helps people in leading a physically and mentally sound life. Let us discuss some of the common health conditions that take a direct toll on mental health here.

2. High blood pressure

High blood pressure can have a long term negative impact on the mental function of the individual. In a study conducted over 1,300 people in western France, it was concluded that mental decline correlated directly with the blood pressure status of the people. Those who suffered untreated blood pressure were four times more likely to suffer the problem that those who had normal blood pressure. Health care practitioners suggest that those who suffer untreated blood pressure are at a poor mental status and these symptoms should be controlled with medications. It is important for people to have their blood pressure levels checked regularly. Those with untreated hypertension also hold a risk of dementia (forgetfulness) and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Weakened immune system

Chronic stress and constant depression results in depressed and weakened immune system by initiating changes in the Hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal axis. This, in turn, starts as a trigger for depression and anxiety. Changes in how the brain functions can have a big effect on one’s body. When a person suffers a depressed immune system owing to infection or other stressors, there is a release of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines can get into the brain and alter the functions of serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine (neurotransmitters in the brain). This, in turn, results in depression. Cytokines can also disturb the brain circuits that govern motor activity, motivation, anxiety, etc. resulting in depression and anxiety disorders.

4. Asthma

It has been postulated that Asthma and mental health conditions always co-exist. There is an increase in the incidence of depression and anxiety among children with Asthma compared with those who do not suffer Asthma. Also, parental stress appears to be an important factor in the development of wheezing in infants. Depression is common in people with asthma and this exerts a negative impact on its outcome. It can also result in panic disorders, frequent Asthma attacks, and exacerbations. People with depression and anxiety feel physically and emotionally drained as well that limits their ability to self-manage their condition. People who suffer pertinent asthma, have a persistent threat to life and along with their physical symptoms, they also suffer anxiety and panic attacks.

5. Obesity

Obesity or overweight of increased body mass index above the average recommended BMI is found to be resulting in depression at least among teenagers. Studies prove that depression correlates with the onset of obesity and obesity predicts the onset of depression. It has also been estimated that obesity is the result of some mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, binge eating disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and night eating syndrome. Primary care practitioners postulate that the potential underlying cause of obesity is mental illness.

6. Head injury

There is a strong relationship between head traumas such as skill fracture and concussions and the subsequent risk of developing mental disorders. Head injuries can increase the risk of developing certain mental disorders up to 439%. The risk of injured people in developing mental disorders is as follows, 65% of the people are diagnosed with schizophrenia, 59% of them are likely to develop depression, 28% of them are likely to develop bipolar disorder and about 439% of those who suffer brain injury are diagnosed to suffer organic mental disorders. The risk of developing a mental disorder is not just overs in the first year of developing head trauma but lies overtly even after 15 years of suffering a head injury.

7. Gastronomical problems

Psychosocial problems are found to be associated with a number of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Such problems are also evident in other chronic diseases that are ulcerative colitis. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to anger, emotion, sadness, anxiety, elation, etc., and all of these feelings can trigger symptoms in the gut. The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and the intestines and Some common psychological problems associated with gastrointestinal problems are anxiety and depression. In such difficult situations, it is not possible to treat GI problems without treating the underlying stress and emotion.

8. Smoking

When a person smokes, a considerable dose of nicotine reaches the brain just within ten seconds. Initially, the increased dose of nicotine improves concentration and mood and decrease anger and stress. It also relaxes the muscles and reduces appetite. The regular and frequent dose of nicotine leads to changes in the brain which can result in nicotine withdrawal symptoms. When the supply of nicotine decreases smoking temporarily reduces the withdrawal symptoms and hence reinforces the habit. This is exactly the reason why smokers become nicotine dependent. Smoking can also cause other physical symptoms such as headaches breathlessness etc., making people feel anxious, low and irritable.

9. HIV and AIDS

People who are living with HIV and AIDS are at increased risk of developing anxiety, mood, and cognitive disorders. People living with HIV are twice as likely to suffer depression compared with those who are not infected with HIV. These conditions are however treatable and most people with such mental health conditions recover completely. Some form of stress can also contribute to mental health problems for those people living with HIV. The virus by itself can contribute to mental health issues because it enters the brain and resides in it. Some of the opportunistic infections associated with HIV can enter the nervous system and results in the changes in behavior and functioning. Some of the neuropsychological disorders such as dementia and other cognitive disturbances are associated with HIV disease.

10. Diet and exercise

Physical activity in any form is found to keep a person physically healthy and also enhances their mental well being. Research shows that doing exercise influences the release and uptake of good chemicals such as endorphins and the release of other feel-good chemicals in the brain. Even 10 minutes of brisk walking increases mental alertness, positive mood and energy and affects the mental functioning effectively. By physical activity, we mean the movement of the body that uses the muscles and expends energy. Even gentle forms of exercise can improve the quality of life significantly.
Good nutrition is also a crucial factor in influencing the way we feel. A balanced brain food includes a good amount of proteins, complex carbohydrates, essential fats, minerals and vitamins, and water. The food we eat influences the management, development, and prevention of a number of health conditions including Alzheimer’s and depression.
Final words:
Mental and physical health are linked fundamentally. There are multiple associations between mental health and chronic physical conditions that significantly impact the quality of life of people. The relationship between mental and physical health is evident in the area of chronic conditions such as heart disease, HIV and AIDS, etc. The determinants of health impacts both mental health and physical conditions. The key aspects of sound mental and physical health are nutritious food, good physical activity, social inclusion, and societal support. Understanding the link that exists between mind and the body is the first step in developing strategies to decrease the occurrence of co-existing conditions and support those who are living with mental and physical illnesses already.