Physical health and mental health
A clear distinction is often made between 'mind' and 'body'. But when considering mental health and physical health, the two should not be considered as separate.
Poor physical health can increase the risk of mental health problems. Similarly, poor mental health can have a negative impact on physical health, increasing the risk of certain conditions.
Since the establishment of the NHS in 1948, physical care and mental health care have largely been disconnected. There is a growing challenge for healthcare professionals to consider the issue of mental health when treating the physical symptoms of a condition and its adverse effects. You can read about the work we do as a foundation to lobby government policy on the issue.
How mental health affects physical health
Poor mental health has been shown to be detrimental to physical health in various ways.
People with the highest levels of self-rated crisis (compared to the lowest crisis rate) had a 32% higher risk of dying from cancer. 1.2 Depression was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease 3
Related to schizophrenia:
The risk of death from heart disease is doubled
The risk of death from respiratory diseases is three times.
This is because people with mental health conditions are less likely to get physical health care. Mental health care users say they are less likely to get regular tests (like blood pressure, weight and cholesterol) that can detect symptoms of this physical health condition earlier. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and making positive adjustments to their diet may not be what they are offered.
Lifestyle factor
These lifestyle factors can affect the state of both your physical and mental health.
Exercise
Physical activity in any form is a great way to keep you physically fit as well as improve your mental well-being. Studies show that exercise affects the release and absorption of well-known chemicals in the brain called endorphins. Even brisk walking in a short burst of 10 minutes boosts our mental awareness, energy and positive mood. Let's read the physical report to know more about the positive health benefits of physical activity.
Physical activity means any movement in your body that uses your muscles and expends energy. From shaking your garden to running a marathon, even gentle exercises can significantly improve your quality of life. For more tips on how you can create physical activity in your routine, come and download our physical booklet.
Common food
An important element of good nutrition to affect our feelings Nutrition A healthy balanced diet includes healthy amounts of protein, essential fats, complex sugars, vitamins, minerals and water. The food we eat can affect the development, management and prevention of numerous mental health conditions, including depression and Alzheimer's. Read about how you can make sure you are taking a balanced diet.
Smoking
Smoking has a negative effect on both mental and physical health. Many people with mental health problems believe that smoking relieves their symptoms but these effects are only short-term.
People with depression smoke twice as much as other people
People with schizophrenia are three times as likely to smoke as other people.
The nicotine in cigarettes interferes with the chemicals in our brain. Dopamine is a chemical that affects positive emotions and is often less common in depressed individuals. Nicotine temporarily raises dopamine levels, but stops the brain's natural process of making chemicals. In the long run, it can make a person feel like they need more nicotine to repeat this positive sensation.
Long-term health status and mental health
Promoting positive mental health can often be overlooked when treating a physical condition. Psoriasis is a condition in which its effects go beyond visual signs and symptoms, affecting psychological well-being and quality of life.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that is usually characterized by red flaky lesions on the surface of the skin but its effects go beyond visual signs and symptoms.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that is usually driven by stress. It affects 1.8 million people in the UK and can affect mental as well as physical well-being.
Up to 85% of them suffer from psoriasis
About one-third experience anxiety and depression
1 in 10 admits to considering suicide
3 out of 3 of them feel humiliated about their condition
1 in 5 reports rejected (and scandalous)
1/3 of the problems with loved ones
Nevertheless, a recent report by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) highlights that char