Having good psychological health is essential to your overall well-being and ability to function as a productive member of society. Psychological health can be influenced by many factors, including life events, personal development, social justice issues and political concerns.
Mental health can be defined as a dynamic state of internal equilibrium that promotes basic cognitive and social abilities, enables individuals to express their own emotions and empathy for others, allows them to adapt to changes in one’s life, and provides an harmonious relationship between body and mind (World Health Organization). It is important to recognize that all of these abilities are interdependent and must be practiced on a consistent basis in order to maintain this state of inner balance.
The term mental health was first coined in the 1950s, when it was recognized that people with mental disorders often did not receive appropriate care. This was seen as a violation of human rights and led to the closure of US federal mental hospitals, which were replaced by community resources such as psychiatrists, counselors, and support groups for those affected by mental illness.
Today, it is widely recognized that mental health is not a fixed state of being, but rather a dynamic continuum that can change over time due to external and internal stressors. This definition is supported by the recovery movement, in which individuals with an illness are not seen as damaged or deviant, but rather as people who are trying to recover and build upon their strengths.
Individuals with mental health problems often experience physical symptoms as a result of their condition, and may be at risk for chronic conditions such as obesity or cardiovascular disease. Increasing attention to the connection between mental health and physical health is essential as we work to better understand the role of physical health in the development and treatment of mental disorders.
Emotions are a fundamental aspect of the human experience and play an integral part in our daily functioning. Some emotions can be healthy and beneficial while others, such as anxiety or anger, are detrimental to our well-being.
Some forms of anxiety, such as clinical depression, can also affect one’s physical health by affecting the immune system. A person who experiences a lot of negative emotion can be at risk for developing serious health complications, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Mood disorders are another common type of mental health condition that can affect one’s physical health. In fact, studies have shown that mood disorders are associated with a number of health outcomes, including weight problems, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases.
Negative emotional states can also negatively impact a person’s physical health by altering their ability to sleep, eat, and exercise. When negative feelings such as fear or anger are persistent and unchecked, they can cause a number of health complications, including weight gain, low energy levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
It is critical to consider the relationship between mental health and physical health as we strive to improve patient quality of life and reduce long-term health costs. While this relationship has been recognized for a while, there are still many questions about its scope and how it can be addressed effectively in community settings.