Let’s be honest – life can be stressful. Between work, school, relationships and personal challenges, we all deal with pressures that can affect our mental well-being. But why is mental health important, especially to your physical health?
Our mental health is so important – it affects how we think, feel and handle the ups and downs of life. Finding ways to improve and maintain mental health is a great way to avoid risk factors and even stay physically healthy.
If your mental health is strained and your quality of life is being impacted, make an appointment with a mental health professional.
How does mental health impact your quality of life?
No one is immune to stress and life can be stressful. Meeting work deadlines, managing family duties, handling relationships and facing unexpected challenges can add up. While some stress is normal, too much can negatively impact our mental health. Learning how to manage it is key.
“Stress is a part of life, but without the right tools, it can take a toll,” says Balaji Saravanan, MD, a psychiatrist in our Lorain market. “By learning healthy coping strategies, we can better manage life’s pressures and protect both our minds and bodies.”
Risk factors for mental health problems
Some people are more vulnerable to mental health problems than others, and several risk factors that can play a role, including:
- Family history: If mental illness runs in your family, you might be at a higher risk.
- Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event, like abuse or the loss of a loved one, can have lasting effects.
- Chronic stress: Long-term stress from work, school or personal life.
- Physical health issues: Conditions like heart disease can negatively impact mental well-being.
Understanding mental health and its impact
People often link the term “mental health” to specific disorders. However, it includes much more. Recognizing the warning signs of a mental health disorder early can make a huge difference.
Mental illness includes a range of conditions that affect mood, thoughts and behavior. Depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are just a few examples. These conditions can be challenging, but with the right support, they are treatable.
When we don’t take care of our mental health, it shows – at work, at home and even in our physical health. Poor mental health can lead to trouble concentrating, strained relationships and an increased risk of illnesses like heart disease. Stress and depression can also tax the immune system.
“Mental health is the foundation of whole-person health,” Dr. Saravanan says. “When we care for our mental well-being, we’re also strengthening our relationships, improving our productivity and supporting our physical health.”
Benefits of good mental health
Building in ways to take care of your mental health throughout your day is just as important as diet and exercise.
Good mental health helps us handle stress, build strong relationships and stay productive. It also plays a big role in maintaining physical health. People with good mental health tend to bounce back from setbacks more easily and cope better with the stresses of life. However, poor mental health can contribute to physical health problems.
Coping skills for every day
Taking care of both your mental and physical health is essential for your overall well-being. Building good coping skills can make all the difference in managing stress. Some simple but effective strategies include:
- Exercise: Moving your body helps reduce stress and boosts your mood.
- Reduce stress: Most people will experience a range of stressful emotions daily. When things are out of your control and cause stress, find alternative solutions.
- Healthy eating: A well-balanced diet supports both mental and physical health.
- Sleep: Getting enough rest is crucial for emotional, psychological and social well-being.
- Give yourself downtime: Ignore guilt about doing nothing or taking part in something that you enjoy. Everyone needs time to recharge, so allow yourself that time.
- Create work/life balance: Establishing boundaries for work time and home time is challenging in today’s world. Set aside blocks of time to disconnect from work to avoid burnout.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help calm your mind.
- Social support: Staying connected with friends and family can provide emotional support.
“Reaching out for mental health support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness,” Dr. Saravanan says. “Whether it’s therapy, a conversation with your doctor or building daily habits, help is always available.”
How we can help
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Professionals such as therapists and counselors are trained to help people manage mental health conditions and develop healthy coping skills. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a step toward feeling better.
If you’re struggling with a mental health condition or need someone to talk to, you can start with a conversation with your primary care provider. Your provider can recommend someone, but you don’t need a referral to meet with a mental health professional.
Learn about the behavioral and mental health services we offer at Mercy Health.
