It’s no secret that people are more concerned with their mental health than ever. With the de-stigmatization of seeking help through the rise of therapy culture, it feels like every podcast, reel, and ad is bringing a new service to your attention or reminding you to take better care of your mind.

What doesn’t seem to get as much attention, however, is the powerful connection the mind has on the body and its healing process. In the past this has been reported on overly literal terms, with the talk show circuit of the 2000’s sometimes acting as though terminal illness could be reversed through clean living and a positive attitude, but research has undoubtedly shown that mental health problems can contribute to preventable threats to your physical health.

This isn’t meant to imply that anything you’re feeling is your own fault, or that you should feel any worse about your health than you already do. All this is here for is to remind you that you are, at all times, a series of systems all affecting one another, and you should be kind to yourself on every level you can.

Five Ways Depression Can Impact Health

It’s more than just conventional wisdom, there have been definite links established between depression and anxiety issues and health difficulties, which include:

• Depression Affects The Immune System

When certain chemicals like adrenaline or cortisol are released during periods of prolonged stress and anxiety, they can weaken your body’s effectiveness to fight off infection and disease.

• Sleep Problems

One of the most common symptoms of depression is a disrupted sleep routine, often leading to restless nights, and even chronic insomnia. When you’re not receiving your necessary eight hours of sleep a night, your body’s systems quickly begin to sputter and fail like an old car engine.

• Substance Abuse

A major contributing factor to addiction is depression and anxiety. When the brain isn’t getting what it needs and there seems to be no other alternative, it’s natural to self-medicate with whatever is convenient and effective.

• Heart Disease

Studies have shown that people with depression who have shown no previous signs of heart disease are of a higher likelihood to develop it than the rest of the population. After a cardiac episode, the upset in hormonal balance that follows depression can also increase the chance of an arrhythmia.

• Poor Health Decisions

Eating poorly and limiting physical activity are understandable reactions to feelings of hopelessness and despair, but these can contribute to your brain spiraling into further chemical depression, which leads to a vicious cycle where your bad habits lead to more sadness about your bad habits.

The Brain-Body Sadness Cycle

That’s not to say that there aren’t factors that contribute to health spirals that are completely out of control. Poor health is one of the leading causes of depression, with as many as 1 in 3 heart attack survivors reporting experiences with depression according to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Something like a prolonged hospital stay or a chronic illness can shatter one’s confidence in their ability to provide for their loved ones and fulfil their roles, whether it be mother, lover, worker, or friend. Regardless of whether or not it’s justified, it’s also very easy to blame oneself for poor health, and sometimes attempts to over-correct can lead to issues like an eating disorder, or even worse.

That doesn’t mean it’s hopeless once you’ve found yourself in a cycle such as this! One of the most direct ways you can combat this is with regular exercise. Not only does this carry the obvious health benefits, but it releases both feel-good endorphins and neurotrophic proteins that cause cerebral nerve cells to grow and connect, which improve brain function.

Getting started with an exercise routine is difficult, especially if such a thing has never been a significant part of your life in the past. I recommend starting small, with something as simple as a walk around your neighborhood after work. The hardest part is always the first step, so why not take that first step somewhere cozy and familiar?

Your Body And Soul Belong To You

If you’re done with thinking yourself sick, and want to start making the right choices for your mind so your body can heal, Empowered Connections has got you! Make an appointment yourself here or send us a contact form, and our administrative goddess can connect you with one of the many amazing therapists at our locations in Leonardtown, Dunkirk, and Bethesda!