“There is no health without mental health”

– David Satcher

Health, both mental and physical

When people think of “health”, their focus often lands on physiological health, resulting in the sidelining of mental health. However, 1 in 2 people worldwide will develop some form of a mental disorder in their lifetime, this highlights the commonality of mental health struggles. Despite this, mental health continues to be an afterthought, and in some societies, it is not even recognized as an essential part of general health. But, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the wellbeing of the public, is a necessary measure to ensure both mental and physical fitness. 

The Missing Link

Mental and physical health are deeply intertwined, making it borderline impossible to consider the two exclusively. Physical health can contribute to mental suffering, and similarly, mental health issues can lead to physical disorders. For instance, cancer patients exhibit an increased prevalence of depression, with 8-24% of those in non-palliative care displaying depressive symptoms, compared to just 4% of the general population (A. M. H. Krebber et al.). This decline in mental health typically occurs due to both physiological and biochemical factors.

Psychologically, the emotional impact of the diagnosis alone is enough to trigger feelings of helplessness, fear, and depression. Biochemically, cancer and treatments including chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, can alter brain chemistry via neurotransmitter systems, ultimately increasing susceptibility to illnesses like depression. Conversely, mental health can significantly impact physiological health. individuals with chronic depression for instance, even without exhibiting a history of physical illness, are capable of experiencing a decline in physical health. Chronic depression leads to an overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone (Ewelina Dziurkowska and Wesolowski). Prolonged release of cortisol can suppress activity of our T-cells, and ultimately lead to a weakened immune system, making depressed individuals highly susceptible to illness (Dimitrov et al.). Additionally, depression is associated with gastrointestinal issues, chronic limb pain, and heart disease, which can all further exacerbate depressive moods/symptoms. This connection between mental and physical health highlights why it’s crucial to address mental health concerns alongside physical health to prevent long-term damage to both the mind and body.

Barriers

Despite this strong connection, in many societies, mental health is rarely acknowledged due to deeply entrenched stigmas, and a lack of resources. These issues exist worldwide, in both developed and developing countries. In many developed countries, the struggle with mental health acknowledgement comes from a lack of mental health professionals, and a general lack of awareness regarding potential resources available to the public. This can result in individuals going untreated for mental issues, ultimately leading to mental disorders, or worsening of existing conditions, creating a cycle of suffering both mentally and physically. Without adequate support and resources, the impact of untreated mental health issues can cascade into physical ailments, further deepening the burden on both individuals and healthcare systems. The stigma concerning mental health, especially in developing countries is incredibly troubling. Individuals who exhibit mental disorders are seen as weak or incapable, leading to many suffering in silence, or completely refusing to acknowledge the potential severity of their mental state. This can lead to a failure to seek both primary preventative care, which involves halting the development of a mental disorder, and ultimately, tertiary preventative care, which works to remedy the effects of a pre-existing mental health disorder (Min et al.).

Bridging the gap

To address this crisis, we must take action both socially, and privately. Mental illnesses do not arise randomly, certain risk factors make individuals more susceptible, and warning signs often precede severe mental illnesses. Public health campaigns should focus on educating people about the risk factors and warning signs to facilitate early prevention. While different individuals will be at a greater risk for certain mental illnesses, generally individuals who have gone through periods of high-stress life events, such as poverty, family conflict, neglect, and a failure to adjust to major life transitions (eg.divorce or starting university) are at a general risk for some form of mental illness (Government of Canada). General signs of mental struggle include: drastic sleep and appetite changes, social withdrawal, decline in personal care, rapid or dramatic mood changes, and an overall drop in functioning whether at the workplace or school environment (“Warning Signs and Symptoms | NAMI”). Educating the public on recognizing these signs early, and available resources is highly essential.

Many mistakenly believe that to receive therapy, an individual requires a formal diagnosis. Individuals can certainly communicate with a physician regarding their mental situation, which involves the physician providing them multiple diagnostic forms to fill out and then referring the individual to a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist depending on the severity. But, obtaining therapy in itself does not require a psychological diagnosis, individuals can contact their nearest mental health facility, whether that’s in their school/university or their neighbourhood, and book appointments without ever receiving an official diagnosis. 

Finally, deconstructing stigma concerning mental health is crucial. Struggling mentally is neither a weakness nor something to be ashamed of, everyone, at some point in their lives struggles with their mental health. The severity simply depends on extenuating life circumstances, and whether or not the individual has adequate support systems. Through encouraging open conversation, providing accessible resources, and education, we can ensure that mental health is treated and recognized as integral to overall wellbeing

Works Cited

By QUEENSLAND BRAIN INSTITUTE. “Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder.” Harvard.edu, 31 July 2023, hms.harvard.edu/news/half-worlds-population-will-experience-mental-health-disorder.

Canada, Public Health Agency of. “Protective and Risk Factors for Mental Health.” Aem, 30 Sept. 2015, http://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/protective-risk-factors-mental-health.html.

“Coping with Depression.” Surviving Cancer, 2019, med.stanford.edu/survivingcancer/coping-with-cancer/cancer-coping-with-depression.html.

Dimitrov, Stoyan, et al. “Cortisol and Epinephrine Control Opposing Circadian Rhythms in T Cell Subsets.” Blood, vol. 113, no. 21, 18 Mar. 2009, pp. 5134–5143, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2686184/, https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2008-11-190769.

Ewelina Dziurkowska, and Marek Wesolowski. “Cortisol as a Biomarker of Mental Disorder Severity.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 21, 8 Nov. 2021, pp. 5204–5204, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8584322/#:~:text=Disorders%20in%20cortisol%20secretion%20(particularly,excessive%20cortisol%20secretion%20%5B7%5D., https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10215204.

Min, Jung-Ah, et al. “Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention: A Challenge for Psychiatrists.” Psychiatry Investigation, vol. 10, no. 4, 1 Jan. 2013, pp. 307–307, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3902147/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20categories%20of,and%20reduction%20of%20relapse%20risk., https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2013.10.4.307.

Trivedi, Madhukar H. “The Link between Depression and Physical Symptoms.” Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 6, no. suppl 1, 2025, p. 12, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC486942/#:~:text=Symptoms%20associated%20with%20depression%20include,activity%20changes%2C%20and%20appetite%20changes.

“Warning Signs and Symptoms | NAMI.” Www.nami.org, 2024, http://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/warning-signs-and-symptoms/.

Written by: Salamat Ibrahim