How Your Mental and Physical Health Work Together

Your physical and mental health might seem completely separate, but that’s far from the case. Your physical health affects your moods, and your emotional state affects your body. So when both are in a healthy place, your overall well-being benefits. 

Our team of expert medical providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, provides care for your physical and mental health so you can lead a full and healthy life.

Take a few minutes to learn more about the correlation between physical and mental health, including how to make the most of that connection:

Depression and physical health

Depression is among the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 26% of the population. And while many of its symptoms impact your emotional state, it also affects your body.

Depression’s physical health issues may include:

• Aches and fatigue
• Appetite and weight changes
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weakened immune system

And once these physical issues occur, you can experience worsened emotional effects. Eating too little, for example, can worsen your moods.

Anxiety and physical health

Anxiety, too, can show up in ways that go beyond intense fears, a sense of doom, and nervousness. In fact, many anxiety disorder symptoms present themselves physically, including:

• Chest pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Increased risk of high blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Complications of existing heart disease
• Upset stomach

The behavior changes linked with anxiety, such as avoiding social situations, may increase due to your physical symptoms. If you have an upset stomach or headache, for instance, you may be even more inclined to stay home or isolate yourself from others.

Physical health benefits of mental health support

You can turn the snowball of worsening physical and emotional health from depression, anxiety, and stress around. And doing so can go a long way for your wellness and quality of life.

Our team at Arundel Medical Group, Inc. screens for mental health conditions during routine preventive care exams. If you’re showing signs of a mental health disorder, we may perform tests to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. From there, we can recommend a customized treatment plan.

We can also check for physical conditions, such as thyroid disease or a menopause-related hormone imbalance, that may be fueling your mental health challenges. By getting treatment for any underlying condition, your emotional well-being will likely improve.

To learn more about the link between mental and physical health or to get the care you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website today.