How Does Mental Health Affect Relationships and Physical Health?

Mental health is a state of successful performance of the cognitive function

As defined by the U.K. Surgeon Journal, mental health is a state of optimal performance of cognitive functions. It results from a person's ability to engage in productive activities, build satisfying relationships, and cope with stress. In contrast, mental illness is the state of having symptoms consistent with an underlying mental disorder, such as significant depression. However, both mental health and mental illness are possible.

While mental health can mean anything that makes people feel good, there are many different types of mental health. The most common are physical health, emotional health, and cognitive ability. Psychologists consider these areas to be interrelated, including social and environmental aspects.  While each category is essential to the development of mental health, they are not the same.

It affects daily living

Mental health refers to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral wellbeing. All of us need to take good care of our minds to enjoy life to the fullest. It determines our reactions to stress, how we relate to others, and how we make decisions. It affects us throughout our lives and is a critical component of our physical health. Major depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders are the most common mental health problems.

In addition to physical symptoms, people with mental illnesses also experience physical problems. These conditions affect their sleep cycles and hormonal balances. In addition, many medications used for psychiatric purposes can cause weight gain and irregular heart rhythms. These symptoms make them more vulnerable to physical ailments. Fortunately, several effective treatments are available to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems. Keeping yourself motivated and active is essential to improving your mental health.

It affects relationships

If you're wondering how mental illness affects relationships, consider that nearly half of adults will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Whether it's anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses, these conditions can profoundly impact relationships. These illnesses affect the person who suffers and can cause significant changes in a family's routines, activities, and finances. However, the impact on relationships can differ depending on the afflicted person's personality and state of mind.

People with mental illnesses often engage in behaviors that are not healthy and can be detrimental to a relationship. For example, a manic-depressive patient may lie to their partner about spending money, develop trust issues, or engage in clingy behaviors that can alienate their partner. Even those with less severe mental illnesses may have trouble establishing healthy boundaries in their relationships. Often, the person with mental illness will blame their partner or situation when the relationship fails.

It affects physical health

The human mind and body are intimately connected, and a person's mind can impact how their body functions. When the mind and body balance, the whole person experiences optimal health and wellness. Mental health can affect the physical body negatively.

Poor physical health puts a person at risk for developing many mental illnesses. Exercising can enhance your mental well-being by releasing endorphins into the brain, which is responsible for enhancing feelings of happiness and contentment. Whether an athlete or a couch potato, getting out of the house can increase energy and improve mood, while a short walk can make a big difference.

It affects stigma

The stigma associated with mental illness can have serious consequences. It can prevent people from seeking treatment, lead to social exclusion, or prolong their disease if left untreated. There are several methods to reduce the negative perceptions associated with mental illnesses and their treatment.

One of the most critical aspects of stigma reduction in education. While most studies are empirical and non-systematic, some have specificity for psychiatric emergencies, and others are of poor quality. Nevertheless, education has been shown to reduce stigma, but more studies are needed to prove its effectiveness. In the meantime, public policies should prioritize effective communication with patients during mental health crises. And the more public awareness about the symptoms and treatment of mental illnesses, the fewer stigma people will experience when seeking care.

It affects treatment

While some mental illnesses are incurable, others are treatable. Medications are available that change certain chemicals in the brain. Patients should take medicines according to the prescriptions given by their healthcare provider and should never discontinue them without first talking to their physician. Psychotherapy is another option for treatment. Psychotherapists use cognitive behavioral therapy to teach patients to change their negative thoughts. Mental illnesses can be life-altering and can interfere with everyday life.

People may be reluctant to take medications for mental disorders because of the side effects. However, all medicines have positive and negative effects. Antibiotics, for example, revolutionized the treatment of bacterial diseases, but they affect the beneficial bacteria in the human body. As a result, side effects such as diarrhea and nausea are common side effects of antibiotics. On the other hand, psychiatric drugs may help ease mental illness symptoms but can also lead to adverse side effects.