Your Best Life

Mental Health is Physical Health

Take TIme each day To care for yourself

by Dr. Rajal Patel, Concierge Physician - WellcomeMD Mooresville

There’s no denying that the pandemic has taken a toll over the past two and a half years. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 1 in 4 U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder during the pandemic, more than double from 2019 where depression was estimated in 1 in 10 people.

Often overlooked: Helpful support for you or your family can be as close by as your primary care doctor.

As the season changes and we return to our normal routines, it’s a great time to reflect on how closely linked our mental health is to our physical health. The clinical definition of “good” mental health is more than just not having a mental illness. The World Health Organization defines it as being able to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, realize your own abilities, and contribute to your community.

In a national poll on healthy aging by the University of Michigan, 29 percent of adults said they were unsure or had reservations about seeing a mental health professional. There is so much more to be done nationwide to address the stigma associated with the topic of mental health, and it’s important to remember many mental health related issues can manifest in the body physically. A trusting relationship with your primary physician is key. If you’re not sure how to broach the subject with your doctor about feeling blue or stressed at work, you may find it easier to open up about sleepless nights that are beginning to add up, fatigue or a worsening chronic condition. A good physician won’t immediately prescribe medication. Instead, he or she will take the time to ask questions that reveal patterns behind new or worsening ailments.

On the flip side, suggesting a 30-minute meditation routine isn’t realistic for someone with a busy schedule or brand new to these techniques. But taking time for yourself every evening to work in the garden or take a walk along the beach may be the perfect prescription to help clear a busy mind and increase melatonin for a good night’s sleep.

Small changes like establishing routines, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, incorporating regular exercise and natural light, and minimizing alcohol can all help improve mental health and well-being. Deep breathing techniques like “box breathing” are a great way to manage stress and anxiety. It may seem like pseudoscience but numerous studies show these techniques can help you cope with panic and stress when you feel overwhelmed. Focusing on your breath helps lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone.