The Mind/Body Connection is Real!

Just in case you were on the fence about whether mental illnesses are “real” health conditions, now hear this: the CDC has just added mental health conditions including depression to its list of conditions that can result in a heightened vulnerability to catching COVID-19 or having a worsened course.  People with mental health conditions are not only more likely to catch COVID, but they are also more likely to end up hospitalized, in the ICU, or on a ventilator.  Turns out there is documented evidence that your mental health is connected to your physical health in some very concrete ways, and this may make some adults eligible for booster shots of the COVID vaccines.  But I think this has some big implications for people struggling to take care of their mental health or for those who struggle to believe that their emotional problems can be real health issues.  The science is very clear on this issue.  Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, it is an important part of your overall wellbeing.  Just like neglecting your teeth can result in an increased risk of heart disease, neglecting your mental health can have a significant impact on your immune system, the expression of some of your genes, your risk of getting cancer, and other physical health problems.  So, if you’ve been suffering from depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, please don’t think that this is a personal failure or that you just need to suck it up and deal with it.  There are excellent treatments available to help you recover and improve not only your mental health but can also make you healthier and stronger physically too.  And if you are ready to begin treatment, reach out to see how I may be able to help.