Blog

It is becoming more known that poor mental health can have drastic and negative impacts on the human body. While we don’t have all the answers as to why exactly this is happening, the connection is becoming more and more apparent. The fact that the mind and body can influence each other is probably not a surprise to most people, as it only makes sense that our entire being is interconnected.  

Heart Disease and Mental Illness

Recent studies have shown that there is a link between mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression, with cardiovascular disease. After analyzing millions of people, it was determined that those with severe mental illnesses had an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. They were also more likely to die from heart disease compared to those who are their similar age in the general population.

Diabetes and Depression

There is supposedly an influential link between having depression and being diagnosed with diabetes, however, more research needs to be done in order to understand this link more. Studies have shown that those with both diabetes and depression tend to have more severe symptoms, compared to those who just have diabetes alone. Furthermore, those with diabetes and depression were significantly more likely to have a heart attack. 

Osteoporosis and Schizophrenia

At first look, it may be hard to believe that schizophrenia and osteoporosis are linked in some way. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes low bone mass, making people more vulnerable to bone fractures. Studies have shown that those with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and more likely to sustain a hip fracture. Researchers acknowledge that more in-depth studies will need to be done to get a clearer picture and make further conclusions on how this mental health condition is connected to osteoporosis.

We live in a world where mental health problems seem to be on the rise, or at least more acknowledged and with better awareness, than ever before. We do know that our physical and mental wellness are interconnected somehow. So, the more healthy we can keep our mind, the better off our bodies will be — and vice versa!