What is the relationship between physical illness and mental health

Not everyone who has a physical illness will experience mental health problems. However, people with long-term physical illnesses are more likely to experience reduced mental well-being. Studies have shown a link between mental illness and certain physical illnesses such as cancer,Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy. 

However, these are not the only physical ailments that can affect your mental health. People with physical health problems are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from depression than people in good physical health.

The relationship between physical and mental health

How physical and mental illnesses are related is not always understood.Whether your physical and mental health is related depends on what kind of physical and mental illness you have.

You may experience mental illness due to physical illness.

Your physical illness may be related to your mental illness.

Your physical illness and mental illness may occur at the same time, even if they are not related.

Some things that can directly affect your mental health are:

physical illness – Some physical illnesses affect the way the brain works. For example, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.

Treatment with drugs – Some drug treatments can affect the way your brain works. For example, steroids have been shown to cause mood swings and psychotic symptoms. Psychological symptoms include: Believing things that aren’t true Difficulty thinking clearly Feeling things that aren’t really there

stress – A physical illness can be very stressful, and stress can negatively affect your mental health.

When are you most likely to develop a mental illness?

Being physically ill is more likely to worsen your mental health if you struggle with mental health in the past or have been diagnosed with a mental illness in the past. 

If you don’t have anyone in your family or friends you can talk to about your illness, your illness will increase.

You have other problems or stresses in your life at the same time. For example job loss, divorce, or the death of a loved one. Sometimes even positive life changes can negatively affect your mental health if they are unexpected or stressful. Your physical illness is causing you a lot of trouble. You have a terminal or life-threatening illness. Your illness prevents you from taking care of yourself.

When will you receive help?

If you’ve struggled with mental health before, or have been diagnosed with a mental illness before, and feel like you’re getting sick again, you need help when you’re feeling worse than before.

If you feel your condition is getting worse over time, you definitely need help.If you notice feelings that affect your relationships, work, interests or daily life, or you feel like you have no will to live, or that others would be better off without you, you need treatment very quickly.

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