The Link Between Mental Health and Medical Illness

On the surface, medical illness and mental health seem like two distinct areas of concern that do not intersect. However, empirical evidence and clinical studies are showing a close link between the two, which suggests that good physical health may be greatly impacted by the state of our mental health.

Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often go undiagnosed in patients who visit healthcare facilities for physical ailments, such as back pains, gastrointestinal issues or migraines. This is probably because there’s still a stigma surrounding mental health issues, and many people feel ashamed to admit to having such concerns.

The converse is also true; medical illnesses can induce different kinds of mental health disorders. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, have been known to trigger depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Chronic pain and sleep disturbances have also been shown to potentially cause mental health disorders such as depression.

The link between mental health and medical illness is not simply a matter of comorbidity, where two different, unrelated conditions coexist. Medical illnesses may, in fact, be the root cause of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the relationship between physical and mental health is further complicated by the fact that both health aspects share a common set of risk factors, such as genetics, life experiences, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

The bottom line? The study of mental health and illness and the provision of proper and timely treatment cannot be separated from that of physical health. Practitioners in both fields must be sensitive to the symptoms of both areas of concern and provide comprehensive and integrated care to the whole individual, not just one aspect.