The Physical Effects of Mental Health

Physical Health x Mental Health

Popular news articles such as The Washington Post, Time Magazine, USA Today and reputable Medical Journals have documented the accounts of individuals who have died of “a broken heart”. However, there is much more to be learned about this condition. As it currently stands, the phenomenon of a broken heart goes by varying names; Broken Heart Syndrome, Takotsubo or Stress Cardiomyopathy. And although there have been noted cases of people who have died from this form of “acute intense stress without evidence of any physical injury” it was a Japanese Scientist by the name of Sato who first described this condition in his 1991 publication (Thomas, 2017). Many have wondered how this is even possible.

The Physical Effects of Mental Health

What Does Science Say?

 Some might only attribute this sort of finding to something straight out of a fairytale or television Drama. However, modern sciences have been increasingly finding links between the physical effects of mental health. It was noted in a publication of “The Body Keeps the Score” that when a person is insulted or left out that a well-balanced autonomic nervous system can have a “reasonable degree of control over our response to minor frustrations and disappointments” (Van der Kolk, 2014, p. 269). The author shares an account on the link between mental health and physical health in a discussion on the “lack of coherence between breathing and heart rate [as it relates to Heart Rate Variability] which makes people vulnerable” to a number of physical and mental health problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weighs in on the importance of mental health as they state that mental illnesses such as depression have been known to affect physical health by increasing the risk of “long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). They also make note of how the opposite is also true where physical illnesses can increase the risk of developing mental illnesses. This much has been echoed by the Mental Health Foundation of the UK when they state that, “Our bodies and minds are not separate… Depression can come with headaches, fatigue and digestive problems, and anxiety can create an upset stomach” (Mental Health Foundation, 2022).

What Can I Do About it?

 The amount of research on the relation between physical and mental health is extensive and ongoing. But what can we do about our physical and mental health now? First, don’t ignore the two or count them as separate and entirely isolated areas of function and human health. But rather, take note of how your thinking, feelings and behaviors affect one another and depend on one another for optimal functioning. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Yoga can help individuals to become more in-tune with thinking and feeling. Harvard Health shared in a post on how “All exercise can boost your mood by lowering levels of stress hormones…But yoga may have additional benefits by elevating levels of GABA which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety” (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

So, speak with your physician about getting active and to learn more about Counseling Services, don’t hesitate to contact Mobile Therapy Centers to speak with one of our therapists. 

Mobile Therapy Centers services include ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Reiki Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy and Counseling. We see children at our clinic, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family. 

Contact us for a free screening/consultation at 800-977-9072asktheteam@mtcus.com or at www.mtcus.com. We also provide Telehealth services. 

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 25). About Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, June 12). Yoga for better mental health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-for-better-mental-health#:~:text=With%20its%20emphasis%20on%20breathing

Mental Health Foundation. (2022, February 18). Physical Health and Mental Health. Www.mentalhealth.org.uk; Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health#:~:text=Our%20bodies%20and%20minds%20are

Thomas, L. (2017, November 6). Broken Heart/Takotsubo Syndrome History. News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Broken-HeartTakotsubo-Syndrome-History.aspx#:~:text=Introduction%20of%20Broken%20Heart%20Syndrome

Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma (p. 269). Penguin Books.

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Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!