Why Physical and Mental Health are Connected

Why does my Psychologist ask me about my physical health?

Lots of adults and adolescents question why their psychologists or counsellors are so interested in their physical health. In fact, there are lots of blogs on our website about physical health, in addition to mental health. Questions about diet, exercise, hydration and sleep can sometimes seem unrelated and typically very surface level when our mental health problems are distressing and much more complex. So, why do psychologists ask these questions?

Health physicians that deal with mental or physical health are often interested in both. Like when patients come out of surgery, doctors are keenly aware of their patient’s mental health as it can have a significant impact on recovery. Mental health practitioners are also aware that a patient’s physical health has significant impacts on their journey towards better mental health. Now, let’s discuss why and how our physical health impacts our state of mind and mood.

1. How we feel physically impacts how we engage with our therapist

In the example above, I spoke about how physical health can impact therapy treatment outcomes. Physical health problems such as sleep disturbances, chronic pain or medication side effects can interfere with emotional regulation, mood, and cognitive functioning. Similar to trying to work or study when we are sick, we cannot get the most out of therapy when our body is not functioning at its best. Sometimes therapy can require a lot of our energy, and our whole attention, and this can be very difficult when we are not well.

If we are feeling powerless in our lives, and that our stress and depression control us, it can be really beneficial to get a sense of control back. Being able to take physical actions that give us a sense of fulfilment can encourage us, and tell us that therapy and healthy practices are worth engaging with.

2. Our mind and body are deeply connected

Recent research has shown that the mind and body are very interconnected. For example, chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can manifest physically in the form of headaches, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, fatigue, and even heart problems. Similarly, physical conditions such as chronic pain, illness, or even hormonal imbalances (like thyroid problems) can trigger or worsen mental health issues. These can also lead to social isolation, difficulty engaging in therapy, and a reduction in quality of life, all of which affect mental health.

Because of this relationship, treating a client’s mental health without considering their physical well-being may slow recovery or stop treatment prematurely. Mental health professionals recognize that achieving optimal mental health often requires addressing both the mind and the body.

3. Our brain functions best when our body is in balance

Mental health professionals are concerned with some of the same factors as our GPs, factors such as diet, exercise and sleep. This is not without good reason;

  • Nutrition impacts how we feel. A diet that is healthy fills us with energy and improves our engagement with the world around us. A diet that is unhealthy often contributes to feeling sluggish bloated and irritable.
  • Additionally, exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Finally, our sleep is critical to our emotions and cognitive functioning and sleep deprivation can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression and impair judgement and decision making.

By addressing these lifestyle factors, mental health professionals can promote a more complete approach to well-being, where improvements in physical health seem to directly contribute to mental health progress.

4. Trauma, Stress and Physical Manifestations

Health professionals are trained to understand that trauma can manifest physically, leading to chronic pain, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, and even neurological symptoms. Similarly to how we associate stress with tight and tense shoulders.

The body often holds onto trauma, which is why many therapists incorporate body-focused therapies, such as somatic experiencing, yoga therapy, or mindfulness practices, into treatment. If we ignore these physical elements and feelings, we are only addressing part of the problem. By addressing both the emotional and physical components of trauma, mental health professionals can support more comprehensive healing and recovery.

5. Health is all connected, and all important

Mental health is much more complex than ensuring that we are eating well, drinking enough water, sleeping enough and exercising regularly. However, these structured activities are often simpler steps that we can begin taking outside of our sessions to improve our mental health. It is a great way for us to begin taking control of our lives and realise that our actions impact our reality.

In the modern mental health field, professionals are increasingly recognizing that treating only the mind, while ignoring the body, is insufficient for long-term well-being. Mental health is not separate from physical health; rather, the two are deeply connected and applying ourselves to the improvement of both is important to ensure that we are happy and healthy.

If you’d like to find out more about One Central Health, give us a call today on (08) 9344 1318.

Blog Written by Michael Perry

Images by Freep!k

Share this article

All your Health, Therapy and Support in ONE Central Place.

Want to book an appointment or find out more?
Contact us online or give us a call today!