Physical/ Medical Causes of Menal Health Problems
Our mind and body cannot be separated. As result, when we are suffering physically, it will affect us mentally. The same also applies in the reverse direction. Our mental wellbeing will also affect our physical health.
Studies show that having a physical/ medical condition or disease greatly increases the likelihood of someone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problem. While this should be considered common sense, a person’s physical health is often not given enough consideration when trying to identify causes of mental health problems.
The reality is that suffering from a medical condition will result in major hormonal and chemical changes in the body (including the brain). This will affect one’s mood and behaviour. Studies now show that suffering from conditions associated with digestion or inflammatory disease (for example) will greatly affect mental functioning. They lower essential nutrients needed for the optimal production of hormones and brain neurotransmitters. Inflammation can also have damaging effects on the brain and will also adversely affect numerous mood-related chemicals in the body.
The bottom line is… if you are suffering from a physical/ medical condition this needs to be seriously evaluated to determine its impact on your mental health… AND… if you are suffering from a mental health problem, its impact on your physical health needs to be properly acknowledged.
By treating both the mind and body, significant improvements can occur in mood, energy and overall wellbeing.