A psychiatrist in Towson, MD explores the relationship between one’s physical and mental health.
When people discuss topics in health and medicine, they typically talk about physical health and nutrition. While these two factors play a crucial role in a person’s health, it would be remiss to keep mental health out of the conversation. Physical and mental health are more interconnected than many people think. If one suffers, so will the other.
People suffering from poor physical health are at risk of developing severe mental health conditions. People with mental health issues are vulnerable to experiencing a deterioration in their physical health. That’s why it’s crucial to nurture both your physical and psychological health.
In order to lead a healthy life, it’s important to explore the relationship between these two elements of your life. In our latest blog post, a psychiatrist in Towson, MD discusses the connection between these two aspects of your health and how you can improve them.
According to the World Health Organization, health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Physical, mental, and social health are all interconnected and can significantly impact the other. Let’s explore this relationship further by analyzing clinical depression.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. and is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in regular activities. There are numerous possible causes of depression, such as:
As you can see, certain physical health problems like a chronic illness or a Vitamin D deficiency can cause depression. Conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis can dramatically change one’s lifestyle. Many patients lose some of their independence and can no longer pursue the activities they once loved. Add the physical effects of the illness and potential side effects of medication, and you have a patient who is extremely vulnerable to developing depression.
When left untreated, depression can seriously disrupt a patient’s life. Not only will their mood continue to deteriorate, but their body will also experience adverse effects such as:
After a quick review, you probably noticed a couple of points:
By understanding the link between physical and mental health, you can take the right steps toward creating a healthier you.
Did you know that the gut is considered to be the “second brain?” It might sound a bit far-fetched at first. But think about the times that you felt “butterflies” in your stomach or felt it “drop” during an intense moment. Cognitive and digestive behavior is engaged in bidirectional communication through the brain and enteric nervous system, which controls the gastrointestinal tract.
While researchers still have much to learn about the mind-gut connection, many have found that stress, depression, fear, and anger can all affect your GI system by speeding up or slowing it down. Mind-body exercises like meditation and yoga have been shown to improve mood and gastrointestinal issues. We’ll explore more techniques for nurturing both your physical and mental health in the next section.
You don’t have to go on a fancy diet or join an expensive training program to boost your physical and mental health. However, you should try to incorporate healthier meals into your diet and exercise regularly. You can start small with these tips:
As you continue practicing these techniques, it will be easier to incorporate more into your daily routine and start leading a healthier life.
Times are difficult. With the ongoing pandemic and economic uncertainty, millions of Americans are feeling anxious and depressed. Social media doom scrolling can worsen these effects. In order to create a healthier and happier mind, you need to focus on both your physical and mental health.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is out there. Psychiatrists in Towson, MD are available to guide you through these uncertain times. Our team of therapists at the Psych Associates of Maryland specializes in TMS therapy, psychotherapy, and other behavioral health services to help you get back to feeling like yourself again. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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Psych Associates of Maryland provides comprehensive psychiatric services by a group of competent, independent practitioners. We diagnose and treat children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population.
