Mental Health Awareness Month
How Entwined Are Your Physical and Mental Health? Can your Mental Health Affect Your Physical Health?
Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated in May since 1949, was founded by the National Association for Mental Health.
Each year they prepare a toolkit of information and activities to share with affiliated groups and interested organizations to conduct events around the yearly themes.
Examples:
The 2018 theme was Fitness #4Mind4Body. During May, it focused on what individuals can do to be fit for their futures – no matter where they happen to be on personal journeys to health and wellness. The #4Mind4Body theme was chosen again and expanded on for 2019.
The Covid -19 Pandemic of 2020 and 2021 generated an unprecedented increase in mental health issues. To highlight the profound impact Covid had on our Mental Health. The NAMH choose the theme.
The #Tools2Thrive is "a time of unprecedented anxiety about a world pandemic."
The global impact of this pandemic is unprecedented. Over three million people died, an immense and incomprehensible sacrifice. People lost their loved ones, their jobs, their business, their homes, their health, their sense of well-being, and hopefulness about the future. The suicide rate jumped dramatically in all categories. Overdoses are also on the rise again,
According to a recent study published in Medical News Today,” Depression and anxiety may be just as bad for your health as smoking and obesity. Those living with high levels of anxiety and depression were 65 percent more likely to develop a heart condition, 64 percent more likely to have a stroke, 50 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure, and 87 percent more likely to have arthritis than people who did not have anxiety or depression.”
It works both ways—your physical health can impact your mental health as well.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes may make you more likely to have or develop a mental health condition.
Scientists are exploring whether physiological changes seen in depression may play a role in increasing the risk of physical illness.
In people with depression, scientists have found changes in the way several different systems in the body function that could have an impact on physical health, including:
Increased inflammation
Changes in the control of heart rate and blood circulation
Abnormalities in stress hormones
Metabolic changes such as those seen in people at risk for diabetes.
Wow, that is a lot to take in!!!
What does this all mean to you? Let’s break it down.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness or autoimmune disease, live with chronic pain, or are a Covid Long-Hauler, you need to pay attention to your physical, mental, and emotional health.
It may be hard to adapt to a new reality and to cope with the changes and ongoing treatment that come with the diagnosis. Favorite activities, such as hiking or gardening, may be harder to do.
According to NIMH,” Temporary feelings of sadness are expected, but if these and other symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, you may have depression.
Depression affects your ability to carry on with daily life and enjoy family, friends, work, and leisure. The health effects of depression go beyond mood: Depression is a severe medical illness with many symptoms, including physical ones.
Some signs of depression include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.
Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling "slowed down."
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Changes in appetite or weight.
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and don't ease even with treatment. “
If you have been suffering symptoms like these for more than a few weeks. If people keep asking you if you are ok. If it's tough getting yourself out of bed in the morning, you need to seek medical treatment. Depression is no joke and can even lead to suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide.
Once you have professional help for your mental health issues, it's time to focus on the body. Research shows that exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression and is often prescribed in addition to traditional treatment protocols.
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise improves Mental Health by reducing risk factors such as:
Reduces anxiety
Reduces stress
Lowers blood pressure
Helps brain function
Releases feel-good endorphins
It takes your mind off worries
It helps you gain confidence
Creates more opportunities for social interaction
Thirty minutes, three to five times a week, significantly improve depression if you stick with it over time. When you feel better physically, the world begins to open up again. The simple activities that once brought you joy can now be part of your life.
The team at Aim Sports Medicine has a deep understanding and knowledge about how the body and mind interact. As the top sports medicine facility in the bay area, their team of Sports Medicine Experts specializes in Physical Therapy, Deep Tissue Management, Acupuncture, Facial Stretch Therapy, Personal Training, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, and ExoArmer Manual Therapy.
Schedule an evaluation today if you are ready to move through your physical, mental, and emotional limitations. Working with Aim Sports Medicine Team, you will get results. When you feel better in your body, you do better at life, relationships, business, and play.
Don't put up with limits on your performance or suffer from day-to-day chronic pain. Our physical therapists will work with you to relieve chronic back and muscle pain.
At Aim Sports Medicine, our Massage Therapy team specializes in deep-tissue massage. We work with clients recovering from surgery and sports-related injuries, as well as managing chronic pain. We have a detailed understanding of anatomy and custom tailor your massage treatment plan to maximize relief and restore wellbeing.
Benefits of Massage Therapy include:
Relieving Pain
Reducing Stress
Increasing relaxation
Improving the quality of sleep
Addressing anxiety and depression
Aiding general wellness
Improving range of motion
Rehabilitating sports injuries
We use advanced hands-on techniques to establish correct posture and body mechanics followed by specific therapeutic exercises. We use treatments that work WITH the natural functions of the body to promote healing and relieve pain.
Contact Aim
If you have a question about our physical therapy, call us, and we'll provide you with our professional opinion. We are ready to support you during your healing journey.
Call or Text us today: (310) 937-2323
Aim Sports Medicine
1035 Aviation Blvd.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
