Whipple 1

Linsey Whipple

Emily Litle

ENG121001

14 April 2021

Mental Health Impacts Physical Health

During covid-19 pandemic, new or worsening mental health problems emerged or were

intensified. Many individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported short-term

memory loss, depression, and an inability to focus. Since mental disorders are not as observable

as physical illnesses, they have not been taken as seriously. Yet mental disorders are real

conditions that must be treated with the same importance as physical illnesses. As research

continues to look at what influences our fitness, researchers are discovering that physical and

mental health are more directly connected than initially assumed. People who suffer from severe

mental illnesses are at a higher risk of developing chronic physical illnesses. People who suffer

from chronic physical illnesses are more likely to suffer from mental illness.

Physical health has an effect on mental health both directly and indirectly. The foregoing

are some of the links between mental and physical health: Poor mental health is a risk factor for

chronic physical ailments. Mental health refers to the well-being of a person's psychological,

emotional, and social levels. Physical Health consists of nutrition and activity. Many people

struggle with finding motivation to properly care for their health. Either they think there is no

time to work out, they find it uninteresting, did not meet their goals and gave up, or physical

limitations.

“The mind-body connection means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively

influence some of your body’s physical responses, thereby decreasing stress” (Mind-Body
 Whipple 2

Exercises, 1.) Calming and relaxing techniques such as yoga will help improve how one

approaches and responds to a situation. While exercise is not a replacement for medical or

surgical procedures, it does represent a strong opportunity for someone to better engage in their

own health care. Exercising daily does not mean lifting heavy or running a marathon, there are

many different ways to get the body moving that can increase mental stability.

“The Mind-Body Connection: Better Physical Health, Better Mental Health'' informs us

of the benefits of living a healthier physical lifestyle. Each of which are followed up with how it

benefits us mentally as well. Mental health impacts many actions and decisions made. Such as

sleeping habits, a loss of energy, mood swings, and a noticeable decrease in performance can

indicate mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and impulse control

disorder. Physical exercise for 150 minutes a week, or thirty minutes each day for five days has

been used as a treatment for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, anorexia, bipolar

disorder, personality disorder, and even schizophrenia (Mind-Body Connection, 6.) Having

depression is more than an impact on mood and motivation. By also affecting the immune

system by suppressing the T cells responses to bacteria and viruses (How, 15.) Meaning it is

easier to get sick and stay sick longer than usual. Research has seen that depression and a

weakened immune system affect each other, meaning this process could operate both ways.

Incorporating daily physical activity will help boost the immune system and lessen the chances

of mental illnesses.

Mood disorders often cause persistent feelings of exhaustion and a lack of motivation.

Most people say “it’s all in your head,” yet research has shown that being metally tired can lead

to being physically tired. A study from the University of Wales tested how mental illness is

closely related to exhaustion and can quickly lead to poor physical health. Participants rode a
 Whipple 3

stationary bike until they were exhausted. The study was presented to participants in two

separate scenarios. In one case, they rode the bike as normal. In the second scenario, participants

first performed a 90-minute challenge that involved elements of memory, rapid reactions, and

inhibiting impulsive responses to stimuli. Participants described fatigue and unfocused after the

mental tasks were performed. Research also states,“ Mental illness is closely linked with fatigue,

and that persistent tiredness can easily lead to declines in physical health” (How, 25.) Mental

health conditions can hinder physical health, while good physical health can help ease the effects

of depression. Because of this intertwined relationship, maintaining physical health is important.

Another study proves that stress and bursts of anger can cause heart attacks. Dr. Buckley

says, “Our findings confirm what has been suggested in prior studies and anecdotal evidence…

that episodes of intense anger can act as a trigger for a heart attack” (How, 27.) A person's risk of

a heart attack increases by 8.5 times in the two hours following a burst of rage, this burst

consists of clenched hands, grinding teeth, and increased heart rate. Anxiety increases the risk of

a heart attack by 9.5 times in the next two hours following an anxiety attack. Frustration and fear

associated with anger management issues may have a negative impact on healthy hearts. Heart

attacks are very common in the United States, people must take certain steps in to avoid this

issue. Good nutrition is one of the main tools in preventing a heart attack along with being

physically active, and reducing stress.

Physical exercise is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness while also

strengthening mental health. The Mental Health Foundation confirms,“Research shows that

doing exercise influences the release and uptake of feel-good chemicals called endorphins in the

brain. Even a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and

positive mood” (Physical, 8.) Negative psychological wellbeing has been found to have a
 Whipple 4

negative impact on physical health. People with mental illnesses are not likely to access the

physical healthcare to which they are required for a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity should be

a part of daily routine because exercise improves mental health and the best part is that it’s free!

When treating a physical illness, it is normal to ignore the development of poor mental

wellbeing, which can lead to long-term issues.

Exercise increases mood, lowers stress, reduces panic attacks, and enhances brain

activity. Stormont goes beyond stating how physical health such as diet and sleep affects mental

health. A nerve links between the stomach and brain, letting you know when you're hungry.

However, this nerve also explains why being under a lot of stress will make you feel nauseous.

Maintaining physical health by eating healthy will reduce stress and anxiety, give more energy,

control depression, and help with sleeping. Not drinking enough water may also affect health,

being dehydrated can cause mood swings. These negative issues can be prevented by simply a

change of mind and caring for the body properly.

When it comes to mental and physical wellness, the two should not be considered

separately. Negative psychological wellbeing has been found to have a negative impact on

physical health. Researchers found, “People with the highest levels of self-rated distress

(compared to lowest rates of distress) were 32% more likely to have died from cancer.

Depression has been found to be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease”

(Physical, 5.) People with mental illnesses are unlikely to access the physical healthcare to which

they are required for a healthy lifestyle. Routine tests, such as blood pressure, weight, and

cholesterol, are statistically less likely to be done on individuals who struggle with mental health

issues. The Mental Health Foundation also mentions research shows part taking in physical

exercise releases a chemical in the brain called endorphins, the feel-good hormone. Exercise
 Whipple 5

increases mental alertness, more energy, and improved mood. Exercise can be used to improve

mental health, by keeping the body moving the mind is able to distract itself and hopefully find

joy in exercising. Improving one's lifestyle through exercise and nutrition cannot get rid of

mental illnesses but can make drastic differences. Maintaining physical health is easier than most

think, a short walk after a meal or yoga in the morning can be squeezed into any daily routine.

Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult for many people. Motivation to get

active can be found with a change in mindset. Exercise results in physical appearance and mental

wellness will come over time. Caring about health leads to living prosperous and abundant lives.

Health issues can make everyday activities more difficult, create financial stress, and even

jeopardize ability to work. Most think of physical activity as difficult but it doesn’t have to be.

With physical exercise start small, walking, having a daily goal for steps taken that day, or stand

more than usual, then increase these small steps when comfortable. Maintaining healthy habits

can pay off in the long run, as stress can worsen health problems ranging from the common cold

to more severe conditions and diseases.

 Whipple 6

Works Cited

“How Mental Health and Physical Health are Linked” Hillside, 7 March 2019

https://hside.org/link-between-physical-and-mental-health/

“Mind-Body Exercises and Heart Health.” Cleveland Clinic, 14 Dec. 2018,

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17231-exercise-mind-body-

exercises--heart-health#resources

“The Mind-Body Connection: Better Physical Health, Better Mental Health.” Stormont

Vail Health, 6 Nov. 2018, www.stormontvail.org/common-health-conditions/the-

impact-of-mental-health-disorders-on-our-community/the-mind-body-connection-

better-physical-health-better-mental-healt/.

“Physical Health and Mental Health.” Mental Health Foundation, 10 Feb. 2020,

www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/physical-health-and-mental-

health#:~:text=Poor%20physical%20health%20can%20lead,care%20have

%20largely%20been%20disconnected.