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How Mental Health Affects Us Physically
Living with mental health is a daily challenge so many of us go through. Children, as well as adults, are being diagnosed with mental illnesses more and more each year. Last year the rate of Death By Suicide rose in the UK by 10.9%. Is there not enough help for mental health sufferers in the world? What nobody seems to talk about is the physical side of things. Yes, it’s called ‘Mental’ health but our brain can give off a variety of physical problems just from how we are feeling.
Physical Side Effects
There are various physical side effects from suffering with mental health. Here’s just a few, all of which are part of some of the most common mental health conditions.
- Headaches from worrying or feeling stressed.
- Extreme stomach cramps – Did you know this is one of the biggest effects of having anxiety?!
- Physically shaking
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle cramps – when we panic we tend to hyperventilate (highly common in anxiety) this causes a lack of oxygen to the muscles causing them to spasm and cramp.
- Fatigue – feeling so drained your body feels like it’s carrying weights.
- Chest pain
The list could go on. When we get diagnosed with a mental illness we never get told that we could feel physical pain on top of it. Sometimes people with a form of mental illness can become literally bed-bound due to the physical aspect of it.
I’ve often sat thinking I’m going out of my mind telling myself it’s not the anxiety that is causing this and that but it is. Feeling the physical symptoms can be extremely frightening and if you’re going through it as well just know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Do you experience any physycal side effects of mental health?? How do you cope with it??
Always remember that we hold the power over how we feel. We can’t change the past but we can change the future. Wake up each morning and think I got this. Starting each morning with a positive affirmation is a good start in taking control.
Much Love – Mrs Slee-Jones xx
Why not try some self-care and check out these Coffee SkinCare products (affiliate) I use daily as part of my morning routine?? You can read my opinion on them here.
You may also be interested in –
What is Chronic Fatigue??
Managing Pain Without Perscription Drugs
How to help children with anxiety/depression
For me, it feels like my body just stops working. It hurts to move sometimes to such an extent that I need my husband’s help to walk. Thank you for sharing such an important post .
That’s awful, I really don’t think people realise what we go through!!
I definitely get headaches all the time when I worry or stress so much. I totally agree that we need to look at the physical side and help to determine at least part of the mental problems, great post.
I think headaches are probz top of the list, especially migraines. Dr’s need to help with the pysical aspect of things also.
Mental health issues are such a difficult thing for our minds and our bodies.
Posts like this really help non suffers understand what you go through x
They really are arnt they. I hope I can share the awareness for all of us x
Mental health issues were a taboo to me until I started having them and diagnosed and thatโs when I was like wow this is not a lie, it really does take a toll on you physically leaving you tired and exhausted sometimes just getting up from bed. Great post
Alot of people do think its rubbish untill they go through it themselves. Though I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy!! Thankyou!! x
When I’m very low, I feel so tired. I just want to sleep. That, and my body feels weak.
I’m sorry you feel like that, It’s not fair that we all have to go through this.
Excellent post, very thought provoking. The link between mental and physical health is so important to understand.
Thankyou!! Yes it really is important isnt it, I think alot of people dont really know about it.
This is such a great post to remind people that mental health issues affects your body!! My depression causes me to have fatigue, and my anxiety causes really bad stomach and gut pain. It can be awful and so uncomfortable, but it really is amazing that the chemicals in your brain are affecting other parts of your body that you wouldn’t think would be connected! Thank you for shedding light on this and hopefully teaching and reminding others about this ๐
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
Its crazy how it all connects isnt it!! Noproblem at all!! ๐
Headaches are it for me. Great thoughts!
Yep headaches are the worst one for me too!!
It’s amazing quite how much stress and mental health can manifest on the body. When I’m stressed I tense, so my muscles get very sore very quickly, especially in my jaw and shoulders. It makes me physically sick, and I feel tired and fatigued all the time.
Em x
http://www.emsworldblog.com
It really is a horrible thing to go through. I have injection in my jaw and forghead to help stop them tensing. But the fatigue is horrific!! x
Your posts resonate with me so much!! My legs shake when I’m anxious and it was reassuring to see the physical manifestations of mental health explored so thoroughly!
I’m so glad it has given you some reassurance, you’re not alone in this xx
I love this!! The physical symptoms are the absolute worst part of anxiety for me because they make me feel like I’m going to die and that triggers more fear!! It truly is terrifying! Much love x
It’s so important that people are aware of this — thanks for sharing!
Noproblem!! Hopfully more people can become aware!!
These been so many times I’ve been so anxious I end up with bad chest pains, and then get more anxious thinking its a heart attack. There really isn’t enough help out there
Ash | https://thisdreamsalive.com
Oh that’s horrible ๐ no I agree there isn’t enough help at all is there!!
This is such a valuable post. I suffer from everything you’ve mentioned here and more (although I also have a chronic illness, so it can be hard to know what is due to what!)
It’s important that we give ourselves a break, as our brains can make life very difficult!
Oh thats awful, chroic illness really does make everything else so much more complicated doesnt it!!
A great reminder that mental health can affect us in so many different ways. A conversation that is much needed.
Thanks for your comment!! Definatly needed!!
I am so sorry you’re dealing with this! Any mental health struggle is a real battle. You are beautifully strong for facing each day with courage and knowing that YOU CAN DO IT!
The physical side of mental illness is very difficult. It’s bad enough that we can hardly think, concentrate, form a sentence or be aware of what’s going on around us. The exhaustion, muscle aches and total disconnect are just too much when it’s at its worst.
I pray that today you are well, feeling content, peaceful and joy-filled. You’re worth it! ?
Sending You My Love,
Holly โฅ
Your words are really touching thankyou so much!!
I hope you’re having an amazing day!!! xx
Thank you for sharing this. I struggle with my mental health and yes there are multiple physical side effects. The fatigue is the worst one I suffer from. Emma x
Noproblem at all!! It’s alot to go through isnt it!! I absolutely hate the fatigue.. I hope you’re well today xx
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve experienced headaches, fatigue and stomach problems myself. My anxiety can make me feel quite nauseous at times.
Noproblem at all, there’s so much people don’t realise isn’t there.
Awah thankyou so much!!
Mental health is such an important thing to both talk about and understand more about. So many people don’t realise that it can have physical effects too.