Mental Health and Long-term Cardiometabolic Outcomes
Understanding the intricate connection between our physical and emotional health is vital to our well-being. While traditionally viewed as separate entities, recent research highlights their interdependence. Our physical and emotional health influence each other significantly, emphasizing the need to address both aspects to achieve optimal wellness.
A recent study, Psychological therapies for depression and cardiovascular risk: evidence from national healthcare records in England, published in the European Heart Journal, suggests that individuals with depression are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, even when controlling for lifestyle behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, diet, and exercise). Although the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease is multifactorial, this study demonstrated that treatment of depression may reduce cardiovascular risk. [1]
One of the most profound manifestations of the mind-body connection is evident in the body’s stress response system. Our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes have a physical impact on our bodies. The body cannot differentiate between imminent physical danger and a perceived threat, such as a thought or emotion. In both situations, the sympathetic nervous system is triggered, and a cascade of physiological reactions occur, including elevations in blood pressure and heart rate.
Over time, the constant activation of the stress response system can negatively impact the body. Long term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt the body and put you at risk for several physical and mental health problems, including cardiovascular disease, weight gain, sleep issues, trouble with focus and memory, anxiety and depression. [2]
Our emotional state often influences the lifestyle choices that impact our physical health. Depression may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, sedentary behavior, substance use and social isolation. These behaviors can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. [3]
Conversely, nurturing emotional and mental well-being can positively impact healthy lifestyle behaviors. An integrative approach, which may include mental health care, medications, and fostering positive supportive relationships, can promote healthy coping mechanisms and facilitate positive lifestyle changes. This relationship is bidirectional, as exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping adequately and practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness will foster emotional well-being.
It is also important to understand that positive emotions are not just about blissful happiness. A positive mindset, and the ability to cope with challenging situations, promotes self-resilience. It is a lifestyle habit that can be cultivated. Over time, mental flexibility develops. This influences one’s perception of adverse events and experiences, which supports emotional regulation.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional health empowers us to make positive lifestyle choices. This holistic approach may involve collaboration between medical professionals, mental health practitioners, nutritionists, health coaches and fitness professionals. When physical and emotional health is addressed simultaneously, we can achieve a state of mind-body balance and wellness.
References:
Céline El Baou, Roopal Desai, Claudia Cooper, Natalie L Marchant, Steve Pilling, Marcus Richards, Rob Saunders, Joshua E J Buckman, Elisa Aguirre, Amber John, Joshua Stott, Psychological therapies for depression and cardiovascular risk: evidence from national healthcare records in England, European Heart Journal, Volume 44, Issue 18, 7 May 2023, Pages 1650–1662, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad188
How stress affects your health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health. Accessed February 12th, 2024.
Cabello M, Miret M, Caballero FF, Chatterji S, Naidoo N, Kowal P, D'Este C, Ayuso-Mateos JL. The role of unhealthy lifestyles in the incidence and persistence of depression: a longitudinal general population study in four emerging countries. Global Health. 2017 Mar 20;13(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s12992-017-0237-5. PMID: 28320427; PMCID: PMC5358047.