WHAT IS MENTAL?
Mental health is the direct driver of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
It involves how we think, feel, and act as we navigate life’s challenges. It includes managing stress, building healthy relationships, and coping with the ups and downs of life.
Mental health is not a constant state; rather, it fluctuates, influenced by various factors such as genetics, life experiences, and environmental influences.
Most times people think that when mental health is mentioned, it’s instantly translate to insanity and conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, et.al. While the above conditions are just a few examples of mental health challenges that individuals may face, it doesn’t mean that one must reach the psychotic stage before prioritizing it.
People in Nigeria and other part of the world must unlearn the many stereotypes surrounding MENTAL HEALTH.
Mental health is the foundation upon physical health is built on, they are two pillars of overall well-being, and their connection is inseparable. Most times we often overlooked, this intricate relationship between the mind and the body that plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. Mental health is not solely the absence of mental illnesses; it is a dynamic continuum, ranging from flourishing mental well-being to severe disorders.
Just as physical health encompasses a spectrum from optimal fitness to debilitating illness, mental health exists on a parallel spectrum, shaping our daily lives in profound ways.
Let dive into how it relate, influences the physical well-being of an individual:
- STRESS AND IMMUNE SYSTEM
High levels of stress is not healthy, it’s often linked to conditions like anxiety and chronic worry, trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
When there’s excessive cortisol it can weaken the immune system over time, making the body more susceptible to infections, viruses, and chronic diseases. That’s to say, stress can weakened the immune system, a weak immune system is a gateway to opportunistic pathogenic invasion of the physical body which ultimately affect the total well-being of a person.
Also, chronic activation of the stress response can lead to inflammation, which has been associated with various health problems, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
- CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH:
Chronic stress and mental health disorders can exert a significant toll on the heart and blood vessels. Stress-induced changes in blood pressure and heart rate can strain the cardiovascular system.
Individuals with untreated anxiety or depression may have a higher risk of hypertension, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
- SLEEP QUALITY
Mental health issues such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns.
Poor sleep not only exacerbates mental health problems but also has direct physical consequences.
It impairs the body’s ability to repair tissues, regulate hormones, and consolidate memories.
- APPETITE AND NUTRITION
Conditions like depression can lead to changes in appetite, resulting in overeating or undereating.
These shifts in eating patterns can impact body weight, nutritional health, and contribute to conditions like obesity or malnutrition.
- SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Many individuals with M-health issues may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their emotional struggles.
Substance abuse can lead to a host of physical health problems, including liver disease, addiction, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
- CHRONIC PAIN
Mental health and chronic pain often coexist. Conditions like depression can amplify the perception of pain and make it more challenging to manage.
This can lead to decreased physical activity, contributing to a cycle of pain and inactivity that adversely affects overall physical health.
CONCLUSION
In understanding the above points, we can see that the impact of mental health on physical health is far-reaching and complex. It underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns not only for emotional well-being but also for the preservation of one’s physical health.
THE END
Thank you for reading to the end, I’m sure you got value, hit the comment section below and drop your comment, opinion or additional contribution.
JUST BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS PAGE, DO YOU FIND THIS POST USEFUL? KINDLY SHARE IT TO REACH A LARGER AUDIENCE
Your write up inspired me alot