Psych 101: Mental Health = Physical Health
Potentially unpopular opinion: Mental health is just as important as physical health. It has become increasingly undeniable how significantly mental health impacts an individual’s daily functioning - at work, at school, out in the community, in relationships, etc. Tending to one’s mental health should receive the same consideration as taking care of one’s physical health.
Having a healthy mental space can also influence physical health and vice versa. The mind-body connection is very real. For example, increased anxiety and stress can significantly impact the brain and body’s hormone levels, heart health and circulatory system, nervous system, and immune functioning to name a few. Decline in physical health can in turn increase and sustain one’s anxiety and stress levels. As such, taking care of one’s mental wellness can indirectly affect one’s physical well-being.
Unfortunately, one’s mental health is not always visible to the outside world as one’s physical health is. People can see a broken arm or a surgery. However, signs and symptoms of emotional pain are not always readily obvious, particularly if there is a lack of awareness of what to look for initially. Social-emotional and behavioral challenges need treatment and intervention just as much as visiting the doctor’s office for annual physicals or check-ups.
When one does not tend to their mental health, short- and long-term consequences are inevitable and adverse for the individual themselves and/or for others who they interact with on a daily basis. Untreated mental health can ultimately extend a great deal of hurt and pain.
But, there is always a bright upside: Mental health is treatable. Support options are available. Individuals can lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives when they take care of both their mental- and physical health. And what better time to start treating and managing one’s mental health than during childhood and adolescence.
Children and adolescents are always watching us even when we think they are not -
How we cope with frustration and anger
How we manage setbacks and challenges
How we help others
How we self-advocate
How we problem-solve
How we resolve conflict
How we communicate our feelings (e.g., happy, sad…)
How we accept constructive feedback
How we respect others’ boundaries
How we communicate our own boundaries
How we self-care
How we take accountability and move forward from mistakes
How we treat others who are different and similar to ourselves
How we communicate our wants and needs
How our actions align to our words
How we stand up for others
How we know when to ask for help…
The list of benefits continues!
What would it mean for future adults themselves and the larger society as a whole if kids learned the importance of mental health and skills for how to manage their social-emotional and behavioral challenges earlier in their development?!?!
