3 Physical Conditions That Could Impact Your Mental Health

July 2020 - Although many people believe that your physical and mental health are completely separate entities that must be treated and looked after in different ways, there is a strong relationship between your body and mind, which means that each is impacted by the health of the other. To ensure that you have a good quality of life, it is essential to respect this connection and to find ways of caring for both your physical and mental health at once.

Dental Issues

One of the most common ways that physical health can trigger mental health issues is if an illness that you have contracted affects your confidence and leaves you unwilling to partake in your usual activities or to socialize with other people. This can leave you feeling isolated and unhappy in yourself, which can eventually trigger depression and anxiety. Dental problems are one of the health issues which are most likely to impact your confidence as teeth can significantly change your physical appearance. For instance, if you have crooked teeth or gaps in your mouth, you may be self-conscious about smiling or talking. Not only this, but pain within your mouth can leave you more likely to stay inside or to be unable to carry out your usual daily activities. To prevent issues with your teeth from impacting your lifestyle, you should visit https://bestdentistinhouston.com/wisdom-teeth-removal-houston/, who specializes in wisdom teeth removal and treatments.

Terminal Illness

Studies have shown that people who are living with a terminal illness are more likely to experience different mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety. Not only can terminally ill people begin to grieve and worry about the future but increasing levels of pain and discomfort can leave them feeling hopeless and out of control of their own body. This is especially likely if the sufferer already has a history of or is predisposed to mental health disorders. You may notice that a terminal illness is affecting your mental health if you are struggling to sleep, if you are not eating well, or if you have suicidal thoughts. You should consider speaking to a licensed therapist to help you to overcome your negative thoughts.

Chronic Pain

However, long-term pain is the most likely condition to leave you with mental health issues as this can impact your life for many years, leaving you feeling hopeless, especially if your pain has become debilitating or you cannot get the diagnosis or treatment that you are looking for. In fact, 50% of people with chronic pain also have depression. Chronic pain disorders include endometriosis, fibromyalgia, MS, nerve damage, and arthritis. If you are starting to feel distanced from your family or friends, or if you are noticing mood fluctuations and feelings of anger or frustration, you should consider joining a support group that can allow you to meet with others who are in the same situation as yourself. You should also try to create a support network of loved ones around you who can help you with the daily tasks and activities that you are struggling with.

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