There are multiple relationships between mental health, physical illnesses that substantially impact people's quality of life, social needs on public health and other medically supported services, and produce negative implications to society in general. As mental health concerns develop over the course of a person's life, the challenges are substantial, and the consequences of untreated mental illnesses are disastrous. The mental health community recognizes that the proper balance of regular medical care with effective therapy can help keep people feeling healthy and strong throughout their lives. Unfortunately, there is still an ongoing lack of awareness, communication, and implementation of these concepts and practices by both the mental health community and primary care providers.
The relationship between mental illnesses and physical illness has been the source of much debate in recent years. Many individuals question if it is possible to develop one condition and not another. As mental disorders have grown in recent years, there have been a number of researchers who have examined the link between physical illness and mental illness. The results have been less than encouraging. Some results have suggested that people are less likely to develop symptoms of mental health conditions like depression or schizophrenia, or that they do not develop those conditions in the first place if they do develop them.
There are many reasons why this research is important. First, researchers are learning that treating a mental disorder does not necessarily improve someone's chances of living a fulfilling and productive life. Second, people who suffer from chronic physical health conditions often receive fewer mental health services and are less likely to be prescribed medications to help them with their symptoms. Third, people who have mental illness are less likely to receive the care and assistance they need when they are in the hospital, which can mean that they are more likely to receive poor quality care and potentially detrimental treatments.
One of the largest fields of study looking at how to treat mental health problems has looked at the relationship between depression and physical illness. The results have been less than encouraging. In many cases, patients who have been treated for depression with a variety of anti-depressant medications were as likely to develop depression again after they left the treatment program as they were before they entered it.
If you are suffering from any type of chronic physical condition or illness, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. If you are receiving ongoing treatment for a physical illness, be sure to tell your doctor about any recent developments in your health, such as a reduction in weight or increased energy level. If you are experiencing serious mental health conditions, including depression and/or schizophrenia, it is critical that you also discuss these issues with your doctor. It is important that you work together with your doctor to determine what your particular condition is, as well as to find ways to treat it. Often, treating mentally illness and chronic physical health conditions can go hand in hand, allowing you to focus on getting your health back on track.
There is some good news, however. Recent studies have found that there may be a decreased risk of developing depression or other serious mental health problems while still in the process of being treated for diabetes. This suggests that therapy and medication given to patients with diabetes might reduce their chance of developing any type of chronic physical health problem while they are in the treatment program. Of course, this study was only done in people who already had poor mental health conditions, so it remains to be seen if this holds true for all patients.
