Physical health and mental health

Health: Health Tips

Summary:

Often a clear distinction is made between "Mind" and "Body".

When we look at mental and physical health, we should not believe that they are separate.

The poor physical condition can increase the risk of mental health problems.

Poor mental health can have a negative impact on physical health, which increases the risk of certain diseases.

Since the founding of the NHS in 1948, physical and mental care has been largely separate.

It is becoming increasingly common for healthcare professionals to be aware of mental wellbeing when dealing with the physical symptoms of a disease, and vice versa.

You can read about the work we are doing as a basis to put pressure on government policy in this area.

Description:

Often a clear distinction is made between "mind" and "body". However, when we look at mental and physical health, we should not believe that they are separate.

The poor physical condition can increase the risk of mental health problems. Similarly, poor mental health can have a negative impact on physical health, which increases the risk of certain diseases.

Since the founding of the NHS in 1948, physical and mental care have been largely separate. It is becoming increasingly common for healthcare professionals to be aware of mental wellbeing when dealing with the physical symptoms of a disease, and vice versa. You can read about the work we are doing as a basis to put pressure on government policy in this area.

How mental health affects physical health

Poor mental health has been shown to affect physical health in many ways.

Those with the highest self-rating (compared to the lowest emergency rate) died with a 32% higher chance of cancer1,2. It has been shown that depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease3.

Schizophrenia is associated with:

⧪ double risk of death from heart disease

⧪ Threefold risk of death from respiratory diseases.

People with mental health problems are less likely to receive the medical care they are entitled to. Mental health users have statistically been less likely to have routine tests (such as blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol) that can detect the symptoms of these physical health problems. Nor are they likely to be offered help to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and change their diet positively.

Lifestyle factors

These lifestyle factors can affect the state of your physical and mental health.

Exercise

Physical activity in all its forms is a great way to maintain physical health and improve mental wellbeing. Research has shown that physical activity affects the release and absorption of chemicals called endorphins in the brain that cause prosperity. Even a short, energetic walk of 10 minutes increases our mental alertness, our energy, and our positive mood. Read the Let's Get Physical report to learn more about the health benefits of physical activity.

Physical activity refers to any movement of your body that uses your muscles and consumes energy. Whether you are looking after your garden or running a marathon, even gentle exercise can significantly improve your quality of life. For more tips on incorporating physical activity into your routine, see our Get the Physical Booklet booklet.

Diet

Proper nutrition is a crucial factor in influencing our feelings. A healthy and balanced diet contains healthy amounts of protein, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. The Foods we eat can influence the development, management, and prevention of many mental health problems, including depression and Alzheimer's. Find out how to eat a balanced diet.

Smoke

Smoking hurts mental and physical health. Many people with mental health problems believe that smoking relieves their symptoms, but these effects are short-lived.

⧪ Depressed people smoke twice as often as others.

⧪ People with schizophrenia smoke three times more often than others.

Nicotine in cigarettes disturbs the chemicals in our brain. Dopamine is a chemical that affects positive emotions and is often weaker in people with depression. Nicotine temporarily increases dopamine levels but also interferes with the natural mechanism of the brain to produce the chemical. In the long run, this may cause a person to feel they need more and more nicotine to repeat that positive feeling.

Long-term health and mental problems

The promotion of positive mental health can often be overlooked when a physical condition develops. Psoriasis is a condition whose effects go beyond visual signs and symptoms and affect mental wellbeing and quality of life.

psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition usually characterized by red lesions on the skin surface, but its effects go beyond the visual signs and symptoms.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is often caused by stress. It affects 1.8 million people in the UK and can affect emotional and physical wellbeing.

⧪ Up to 85% of patients feel unwell with their psoriasis.

⧪ About a third suffer from anxiety and depression.

⧪ 1 in 10 admits to thinking about suicide.

⧪ Every third person has humiliating feelings about his condition.

⧪ 1 out of 5 complaints was dismissed (and stigmatized) due to their condition

⧪ 1/3 have problems with their loved ones.

However, according to a recent report by the British Association of Dermatologists (ADB), only 4% of dermatology departments have access to a consultant.

The physical and psychological effects can be cyclically related: the condition can lead to emotional stress, which can trigger a psoriasis epidemic, and as a result of more significant pressure.

Some people with psoriasis may think that their GP views psoriasis as a minor skin disorder and ignores the emotional aspects. Many of them remain untouched on the isolated and emotional path of psoriasis.