The Connection Between Physical Health and Psychiatric Care

Do you think of your mind and your body as separate? It’s a common way to view health, as if the neck is a dividing line. We see one doctor for our body and another for our mind. But the reality is that your physical and mental health are not just connected; they are two sides of the same coin. What happens in your body affects your brain, and what happens in your brain affects your body.

At Televero Health, a core part of our approach is understanding this deep connection. Your psychiatrist is not just interested in your mood; they are interested in your overall health. That’s because a thorough psychiatric evaluation must always consider how your physical health might be contributing to the way you feel.

When Physical Problems Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

Sometimes, what looks like a primary psychiatric condition is actually a symptom of an underlying physical illness. Your brain is a sensitive organ, and when something is wrong elsewhere in the body, the brain is often one of the first places to show signs of trouble. This is why a good psychiatrist will always want to know about your physical health and may recommend you see your primary care physician for a check-up and bloodwork.

There are many medical conditions that can mimic or worsen psychiatric symptoms. For example:

Thyroid Problems: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety, restlessness, and even panic attacks.
Vitamin Deficiencies: Low levels of certain vitamins, such as Vitamin D or Vitamin B12, have been linked to symptoms of depression and fatigue.
Anemia: A low red blood cell count means your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can lead to exhaustion, brain fog, and a low mood.
Sleep Apnea: This condition, where you repeatedly stop breathing for short periods during sleep, leads to poor sleep quality. The resulting sleep deprivation can cause severe fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which can look a lot like depression or ADHD.
Chronic Pain: Living with constant pain is physically and emotionally draining. It is a major stressor on the body and is very frequently accompanied by depression and anxiety.

Ruling out these and other medical causes is a critical first step in the diagnostic process. It ensures that you are getting the right treatment for the right problem.

How Mental Health Affects Physical Health

The connection works in the other direction as well. Your mental state can have a powerful impact on your physical body. When you are under chronic stress from a condition like anxiety or depression, your body is flooded with stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this can contribute to a host of physical problems.

For example, chronic stress and depression are linked to an increased risk of:

Heart Disease: Stress can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, putting a strain on your cardiovascular system.
Weakened Immune System: You may find that you get sick more often when you are struggling with your mental health.
Digestive Issues: The brain-gut connection is very strong. Stress and anxiety can lead to problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Headaches and Migraines: Muscle tension from anxiety can often lead to tension headaches.

This is why taking care of your mental health is a crucial part of taking care of your overall health. By treating your psychiatric condition, you are not just improving your mood; you are also protecting your body from the physical consequences of chronic stress. It’s all one system, and treating one part helps the whole.

Key Takeaways

Your physical and mental health are deeply interconnected; you cannot treat one without considering the other.
Many physical health problems, like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms.
Chronic mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can increase the risk of physical problems like heart disease and digestive issues.
A good psychiatric treatment plan will always take your overall physical health into account to ensure you are treating the true root of the problem.

Ready to take the first step? We can help. Get started with Televero Health today.