According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “people with [chronic medical] conditions have a higher risk of depression,” one of the most prominent mental health issues affecting Americans today. Experts assert that individuals facing conditions like cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS are more likely to be triggered into a state of depression. The illness may affect their mobility and independence and change the way they perceive themselves. The stress related to these changes can trigger poor mental health. That’s a big part of why many Talkspace reviews point to these reasons as a part of why patients considered getting help in the first place.
However, there are preventative measures that an individual can take to avoid such mental impairments. A recent Talkspace blog post, “How Neglecting Physical Health Impacts Your Mental Health (and How to Improve Both),” identifies three actions an individual can take to help avoid the risk of chronic physical health issues, ultimately reducing their risk of facing ongoing mental health problems.
Get Checkups
First and foremost, individuals should ensure that they attend all of their routine checkups. Due to a multitude of reasons, such as lack of access or avoidance due to anxiety, millions of Americans skip their annual checkups. Avoiding your doctor can have a drastic impact on the long-term health of an individual. Someone attending a regular checkup does not need to display signs of illness because the checkup is considered a “preventative visit.” Additionally, not all illnesses display signs in the beginning, so getting a professional opinion that you are healthy can be key in continuing to live a healthy life, both physically and mentally.
Some people even avoid the doctor when they are not feeling well, falling back on a tough-guy (or girl) mentality. This is one of the most dangerous mindsets to fall into and can be costly, both financially and from a health standpoint. Fear and anxiety are common symptoms of individuals facing uncertain situations such as doctor visits. However, it is important not to let these emotions deter you from getting the help that you need.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
We are what we eat, and the food that we put into our bodies can have a major impact on our physical and mental health. Studies have identified that a healthy diet can drastically lower one’s risk of health complications such as heart disease, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
A healthy diet can also promote a positive mood. According to the author of the blog post, Matthew Mitchell, “good ‘mood foods,’ as they’re often referred to, promote the growth of healthy bacteria that positively affect your neurotransmitter production. Because your GI tract is home to millions of these neurotransmitters, which are responsible for sending positive messages from your gut to your brain, you want to keep it in good shape! There’s evidence that sticking to a healthy diet allows for fewer mood fluctuations.”
Communicate
Communication is key to a variety of things in life, including maintaining a healthy physical and mental state. Some of the most challenging topics to discuss with others, such as those regarding one’s sexual health, can be the most damaging. Whether it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI), an inability to perform sexually, or painful intercourse, it can be uncomfortable to discuss. However, it is extremely important to confront them because not only can they indicate a short-term issue, but they can also be an indicator of a reproductive problem, which should always receive immediate care.
Communication is not only limited to sexual issues but all other health issues as well. Open and honest communication with a professional can reduce your risk of physical problems, ultimately reducing your risk of facing mental health issues down the line.
Could You Benefit from the Assistance of a Mental Health Professional?
The correlation between physical and mental health is apparent, and sometimes, individuals may benefit from reaching out to a mental health professional to discuss either a current physical or mental health concern. However, help does not only need to come from a traditional therapist.
Millions of Americans today are turning to services such as Talkspace, an online therapy platform, to provide safe and effective online therapy. These resources allow people to seek help in a more accessible and affordable manner through the use of text, audio, and video messaging, as well as live video chatting. With people’s lives getting increasingly hectic, the rise of companies such as Talkspace hopefully makes it that much easier for people to get the mental health care that they so desperately need.
Learn more about Talkspace on Wikipedia, or visit their user reviews to see what actual patients had to say about their experiences.
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