4 Surprising Ways Mental Well-Being Impacts Physical Health

Research shows that 3 in 4 Americans feel that mental health takes a back seat to physical health. In a perfect world, neither would take the back seat to the other, both would be in harmony. There's compelling evidence to suggest they're equally important to address because of the ways they're interconnected.

1. Anger has been linked to heart disease.

We’ve all felt emotions affect our bodies — grinding your teeth when anxious or feeling your heart race when you’re angry. These responses aren’t necessarily harmful in isolation but when they go unchecked for an extended period of time, it can put a strain on your body. 

In fact, frequent anger has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease and depression and anxiety have even been shown to increase the risk of cancer.

2. Cortisol — the “stress hormone” — can weaken the immune system.

In small doses, cortisol, a hormone that’s released when you’re stressed, is known to boost immunity by limiting inflammation. However, consistently high levels of cortisol can actually have the opposite effect, and compromise the immune system. 

For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) keeps your body in a constant state of hypervigilance. In response, your body produces cortisol and focuses its resources on a potential external threat, leaving your immune system less capable of protecting your body against internal threats.

3. Stress increases pain intensification. 

When you’re distressed, everything seems more intense. But research shows that stress actually significantly increases pain intensification and decreases pain inhibition capabilities. This can cause particular problems for people with chronic pain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, as the body triggers inflammatory responses and the release of stress hormones, leading to further damage to already-compromised tissues.

4. Chronic anxiety can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

You’ve probably gotten that knot in your stomach right before a big project is due or when you’re ruminating on a fight with your partner from a few days ago. While that knot may be harmless at first, over the long-term they can cause major issues. 

Research shows that people with anxiety disorders were significantly more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to those without anxiety disorders. Part of the reason anxiety can be so influential on the gut is because it produces cortisol, which is known to affect digestion, gut motility, and gut bacteria. 

Their Connection Also Has Benefits

Information like this might feel overwhelming initially. However, research into this connection has led to effective, evidence-based treatments for stress, anger, and anxiety, like talk-therapy.

There is also a glut of evidence that regular physical exercise can significantly improve your mental health. While this is most helpful for people who already enjoy running or hitting the gym, there are many who have found joy in it despite their initial skepticism. If exercise doesn't sound exciting, consider the types of movement that make you feel good — whether that's going on a walk, standing after a long day of sitting, or playing with your pet.

Don’t make the mistake of believing mental health is less important than physical health. They are intrinsically connected — a reality which provides more opportunities to heal.