By Jocelyn Oceguera
When we aren’t feeling well, it is easy for us to go to the doctor and get checked. Whether it is the common cold or a stomachache, we take some medicine and the next day we are back to our daily routine. But when one has no desire to get out of bed in the morning and has a constant sense of hopelessness, he or she might be heading down a path of no return.
Mental health is defined as “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.” It can be affected by pressure, stress, trauma and sleep.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2014 reports, one in five Americans experience a mental health issue and one in 10 young adults experience a period of major depression, which often leads to anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
It is essential that we pay more attention to mental and emotional health than physical heath. Increased mental health leads to a stronger connection between the mind and body.
Poor mental health can affect our self-esteem, confidence and our physical well-being. Familydoctor.org states, “Poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during an emotionally difficult time.”
In addition, according to the Mental Health Foundation, depression has been linked to 67 percent increased risk of death from heart disease and 50 percent increased risk of death from cancer, a result of those with mental health conditions being less likely to receive the physical healthcare they are entitled to.
Survival begins in a person’s mind.
Thus, mental health is much more important than physical health. According to Study.com, physical health consists of many components, including physical activity, nutrition and diet, alcohol and drugs, medical self-care and rest and sleep – all components controlled by mental health.
Our minds and bodies already have a strong connection and they need to work together to properly function, but if we aren’t feeling our best mentally then this is impossible.
It is vital to our survival that we take care of our mental well- being. Talking to someone or joining a sport or activity that can get the pressure and stress out can be beneficial.
Jocelyn Oceguera is a vegetarian invested in overall health.
Sungah Choi / The Poly Post
Mental and physical health
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