Mental Illness and Physical Health Go Together
Mindfulness practices and seeing a therapist can help!
by Jocelyn Grimaldi

 

 “Mental illness and physical health are hand in glove. They go together. Mental stability is the cornerstone to managing physical health,” says Sanjay Gupta, Medical Director, Endeavor Health Services.

Having emotional struggles, mental illness, or addiction can be debilitating to the body, and even lead to physical ailments. Having a physical illness, such as disease, injury, or even a cold can be very draining on our mental health. Our minds and bodies work hand-in-hand in how they affect our overall wellbeing. Thus, developing healthy habits is important in helping to overcome both mental and physical health challenges.

When we are stressed, there are ways that we can bring ourselves “back into our bodies” and out of our worrisome thoughts. These simple suggestions that foster mindfulness and living in the present moment can make a big difference. 

  • Take a short walk or do some sort of exercise as a break during your workday. Doing so will help regulate your blood flow, bring you back into the present moment, and help you feel more at ease and balanced for the remainder of your workday.
  • A mindfulness exercise that can help relieve anxiety or stress is called the 5-4-3-2-1 coping technique. To try it, simply acknowledge five things you see around you, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. 

To maintain our overall physical and mental health, it is important to get enough sleep, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet. 

  • Most men and women require 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can leave us feeling foggy, irritable, and depressed. We can also overextend ourselves at work or home, leaving little time for relaxation, and lead to emotional exhaustion or burnout.
  • Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential for our physical and mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health issues can lead to substance abuse. Individuals may use drugs or alcohol to numb their negative feelings or experiences, and result in a spiral of more negative consequences. 

If you are experiencing a challenging time in your life, it can be helpful to see a mental health therapist, who can help you address your short- and long-term goals for a better life. In therapy, you can feel safe, heard, and understood by someone you can trust and who can help you on your life’s journey. 

We are here for you. If you or someone you know needs mental health or addiction support, call us today at 716-895-6701 to schedule an appointment. We provide individual and group therapy, in-person, and telehealth appointments. Our experienced, compassionate counselors use a variety of evidence-based practices to provide effective treatment and support to those living with mental illness.

Jocelyn Grimaldi is a marketing and public relations specialist at Endeavor Health Services.