boiMAG.com "Physical Health or Mental Health?"

by: Dr. Charla Waxman BS, MBA, EdD Director of Business Development Lake Behavioral Hospital

How do you know if your health concern is a physical health issue or a mental health issue?

What a title and what a puzzle! From stomachaches, to headaches and backaches, how do you determine whether your health concern is related to your physical health or your mental health? The easy answer is, it doesn’t matter, you need to be checked out! The more involved answer is that our mental and physical health are inextricably linked. You may have a physical issue that is a real physical issue, but it is worse because of emotional stress. You may have depression or anxiety that causes you to feel nauseous, have a debilitating headache, or experience a painful backache.

Whatever it is, starting with some tests or some blood work might be the best way to begin ruling out physical issues. Your physician should also be able to help you sort through some recent happenings and help you determine the next best step and whether what is going on in your brain is what is troubling your body.

The physical symptoms of mental illness are many and different for every person. Muscle aches, sleeplessness, restlessness and neck, back and headaches are fairly common physical complaints when anxiety and depression are really at the helm. Struggling to concentrate, blurred vision and dizziness are not to be ruled out as a mental health issue, either. Stomachaches and indigestion, even diarrhea, can all be linked to mental health. If you are under considerable stress or trauma has been a part of your life, your body may let you know through a show of physical aches and pains that you need help; you have simply “maxed out”.

Know that overall pain is no different whether it is caused by a physical concern or a mental health condition. Pain is a sign that’s something needs to change. Prolonged pain is not comfortable or necessary. Be serious about finding out what is wrong. See a physician. Get the help you need.

If mental health is a concern, don’t hesitate to call the Assessment and Referral team at 855 990 1900. The Lake Behavioral Hospital staff is ready to help you find just the right level of treatment for you.

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