The Physical Side of Mental Health Issues Almost No One Talks About

Few people would be surprised to hear that individuals who are going through severe health problems will often develop anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions as a result of what their bodies are experiencing. 

But the reverse can also be true. In fact, many people will develop physical health problems as a result of their mental health challenges. 

Understanding the interconnectivity of mental and physical health is important, and is among the skills shared by the team members at Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center. 

If you live in the greater Houston, Texas, area and are facing mental health struggles, please consider reaching out to a skilled mental health specialist to explore treatment options. 

Whether you select a therapist from our team or find a practitioner elsewhere, we want you to feel seen, honored, and supported as you move through treatment. 

Today, let’s talk about the ways that mental health can manifest in physical ailments, and what you can do to ease both. 

Is your stomach sending you messages?

One of the more common ways that mental health concerns create physical symptoms is in digestive health. 

Everyone understands what it feels like to have "butterflies in your stomach” as a big event nears, or that sickening feeling that happens when you’re faced with a potentially dangerous experience. 

But your stomach can also send messages about chronic mental health issues. Your digestive system has its own nervous system that communicates with your brain. It should come as no surprise that issues like stress, anxiety, or depression can cause stomach problems. 

Here are a few of the symptoms that could be linked to mental health issues:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach aches
• Nausea

If you’re having digestive issues and there is no clear cause, consider how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally. You might see a clear link once you frame things in this light. 

Headaches and muscle pain can be brought on by mental health challenges

Everyone experiences an occasional headache or muscle tightness. But when these sensations continue over time, it could be due to tension and stress. 

When your mind is focused on emotional turmoil, your body often responds with tightened muscles. This is due to the body’s fight-or-flight response, and happens in case you need to respond to a physical threat. 

The problem lies in the fact that many people continue to experience this state of heightened tension for long periods, both in their minds and bodies. That can lead to muscle pain as well as tension headaches. 

So, don’t ignore these issues or try to mask them with over-the-counter pain medication. Look for a deeper cause to find lasting relief. 

The physical manifestation of mental issues isn’t always easy to define

Everyone has a unique response to trauma, both physically and mentally. The human body can have a wide range of reactions when you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health matters. 

For some, the physical reaction is an almost complete lack of energy and an urge to sleep as much as possible. Other people react with heightened energy, restlessness, and a need to stay on the move or to complete repetitive tasks in an effort to self-soothe. 

Very often, unexpected physical reactions to mental issues can be just as frightening as the cause. We like to feel as though we have some degree of control over our bodies and minds, and when we’re faced with feelings of panic, depressed mood, or anxiety, it’s easy to feel off. 

Managing mental health can reduce physical challenges

If you suspect that your body is struggling to process mental health issues, partnering with a therapist is a way to take a step toward relief. Very often, addressing specific mental health problems will swiftly reduce the physical issues that are linked. 

For some, talk therapy is a great way to process emotions and work toward enhanced emotional stability. Medication can also be a useful tool in many cases. The only way to know the best path for you is to meet with a qualified mental health practitioner. 

When you’re ready to take action, our team is here to assist you on that journey. You can reach a member of our administrative team by phone to discuss scheduling, or give our online booking a try. We also offer telehealth visits to established patients.