How Mental Health Affects Physical Health

At the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to know why mental health is important and how mental health affects physical health.

Our mental health affects every other aspect of our lives. It affects the decisions we make, the way we respond to others, how we handle stress, and the way we accomplish our daily tasks. Mental health is also directly tied to our physical well-being. Positive mental health is an essential ingredient in living a full life with meaningful relationships and accomplishments.

Feelings of depression or anxiety are complex and vary from person to person who suffer from depression or anxiety. Getting help is key. And recognizing symptoms plays a part in knowing help is needed.

Emotional Symptoms of Depression

• Sadness
• Disinterest in things that normally bring joy or satisfaction
• Easily irritated
• Anxiety
• Worry
• Numb
• Hopeless
• Overwhelmed
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Lack of focus

Physical Symptoms of Depression

• Chronic headaches
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension
• Feelings of restlessness
• Feelings of sluggishness
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Digestive troubles

Many of the very same physical areas that anxiety and depression effects are the ones that help to relieve mental health challenges. It becomes a chicken and egg scenario. Depression affects your ability to get a good night’s sleep. But not getting enough proper sleep can trigger depression or worsen it. Getting enough sleep can provide much-needed relief for you when you are suffering from depressive episodes. Depression and anxiety can also affect your desire to exercise or the energy and strength to do exercise. However, exercise can help to alleviate those same symptoms.

How to Cope

Having several coping mechanisms in place can help you to ride the storm of depression and exercise. While we highlight a few of those here, there are many things you can do to cater to your own needs.

Develop Positive Mental Health Habits

Have relaxation responses at the ready so they are available to you when you need them most.

• Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation
• Focus on positive things versus the negative ones to help when you meet up with triggers.
• Keep a gratitude journal even if you only write one-word examples of things you feel grateful for, such as sunsets or the flavor of your favorite food. Moments of gratitude help remind you of things that calm and feed your soul.

Exercise

Exercise may be the absolute, without-a-doubt, last thing you feel capable of doing, but exercise promotes feelings of wellness by promoting sleep and lowering blood pressure. It also releases endorphins in the brain, which promote good feelings.

Get Enough Sleep

Overextending yourself physically and mentally by not allowing that necessary recharge of sleep contributes to anxious or depressive feelings. When you have enough sleep, you are better equipped to respond when life becomes overwhelming. If you experience trouble falling asleep, you may want to try supplements such as Magnesium or CBD oil to relax your nerves and promote healthy sleep patterns.

Surround Yourself with a Supportive Group

When dealing with depression or anxiety, a common response is to withdraw and isolate yourself. But people who care about you are the greatest gift you can receive when you’re spiraling mentally. Talking through your emotions with friends or family can help you to process those feelings and offer you perspective. Having those loved ones to talk to can also relieve you of some of the psychological weight that may be contributing to the challenge.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is a natural option to provide relief from depression and anxiety. Our bodies naturally have an endocannabinoid system, which is vital in maintaining a healthy homeostasis. We have numerous natural receptors which help regulate pain, temperature, inflammation, stress levels, etc. Cannabinoids found in CBD interact with your natural receptors while inhibiting enzymes from breaking down naturally produced endocannabinoids, thus, overall enhancing the perfect homeostasis for your body.

Get Help

Talk to your general practitioner, who can refer you to a good therapist. Please do not struggle on your own when help is available. You have value and worth and are deserving of happiness and fulfillment.