Understanding the Correlation Between Mental Health and Physical Pain

What happens to the mind affects what goes on in the body. As a result, that is one approach to answer the question of whether mental health can result in physical pain. Mental and physical conditions co-exist in some respect. A person dealing with a mental illness has a higher chance of experiencing chronic pain than someone who is not. Chronic pain can also be the reason an individual develops mental health issues. It is necessary to learn the relationship that governs psychological health and physical pain to deal with the consequences that they bring. People with mental health and physical pain problems have diminished productivity and capabilities, which means they do not contribute as they should in societal and economic growth. The quality of life is also poor in persons with mental and physical issues.

How the two Conditions Affect One Another

A myriad of elements come into play when an individual is suffering from a mental health condition, and these play a role in the development of chronic pain conditions. The physiological and emotional processes that occur in a mental health sufferer make the body become susceptible to chronic pain conditions. Some of the symptoms can be a direct result of a mental illness or a consequence of the treatment. It is common for an individual with mental health challenges to develop a disease like diabetes or a heart disorder. For this reason, working with a mental health professional is imperative, and Top Doctors is one place to find reputable ones. Expert management of mental health symptoms can help reduce the risks of developing a chronic pain problem.

The physiological changes that occur in someone with a mental condition such as altered sleep cycles, hormonal imbalances and poor appetite can instigate a range of chronic pain symptoms. A person who doesn’t eat well due to depression will lose weight and have poor physical health. Such an individual is more likely to develop conditions like diabetes because of the compromised immune system.

Common Physical Conditions that Co-exist with Mental Health Issues

Research has established that individuals with mental health issues have a higher risk of suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly heart disease, diabetes and respiratory conditions. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common conditions in people with mental illnesses because schizophrenia and depression are some of the risk factors for the disease. Mental illnesses medication can cause weight gain, which is another dangerous consequence.

Mental health disorders cause stress and anxiety, which increases blood pressure levels thereby, making it highly probable that an individual will develop heart disease. Some of the drugs that mental health sufferers take for different conditions can result in accelerated heart rhythms, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Somatic disorders are also prominent in people dealing with mental illnesses. Some individuals with depression suffer from physical pain that ranges from severe headaches to joint pains to gastrointestinal problems.

Physical conditions that manifest due to a mental health issue can make treatment a complicated process. Access to proper care for mental health sufferers is necessary to minimise the risk of developing chronic pain. Be-sides primary health care, mental health patients should work with specialists for the best results.