Introduction;
Our responsibility as health professionals is to holistically evaluate and care for patients, says Jordan Sudberg. However, the question of whether to treat someone with a physical or mental illness first is still up for debate in the medical community. Yes, there is a connection between one’s physical and mental health. Although we frequently distinguish between the two, they go together hand in hand: poor physical health may increase the risk of mental health issues developing, just as poor mental health can harm physical health and raise the risk of developing several conditions.
People are statistically less likely to have routine screenings on blood pressure and cholesterol, affecting their weight which might detect early indicators of physical health concerns. Individuals with mental health conditions frequently do not receive the physical healthcare they deserve.
Additionally, these people aren’t as repeatedly encouraged to change their physical health, like reducing their alcohol consumption and eating healthier. Biological factors, like exercise and diet, are equally significant and can affect mental health. And it’s your responsibility to take advantage of these two opportunities.
Jordan Sudberg from the United States says that any examination must consider patients’ emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their outward appearance.
Impact of Physical Trauma on Mental Health;
A person is likely to undergo bodily alterations that will change their quality of life, whether their physical disability develops gradually over time or as a result of an acute and catastrophic event. Their lifestyle, relationships, roles, and in fact, their entire lives will all be impacted by these bodily changes. This effect can be severe and frequently traumatic.
Traumatic occurrences are events that put a person or a close relative in danger of death or severe injury. They are more frequently felt after severe illnesses begin, as well as after violent or prolonged abuse, workplace accidents, and crashes on the road.
It is usual for the body’s system to produce a stress-like response after trauma. It can cause people to experience different physical signs like increased blood pressure, heart rate/sweating, and decreased appetite. The condition can also cause individuals to feel differently and experience more emotional reactions, such as being anxious with increased anger or frustration, decreased tolerance levels, and a change in mood.
This type of response is often called the “flight or fight” response, says Jordan Sudberg. It is a normal response to situations; if these feelings continue to linger, as with physical trauma, it can cause more significant mental health issues such as post-traumatic trauma disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Impact of Chronic Pain on Mental Health;
After a traumatic injury, many people will experience chronic pain symptoms at various levels. Contrary to acute discomfort, chronic pain persists longer than the healing time of the damage and can be challenging to manage. Chronic pain can affect every aspect of an individual’s life, including how they relate to others, their job responsibilities, and their ability to participate in everyday routines.
It can cause an increase in depression or anxiety. It is usual for people to feel their pain to be at the point where they think they can’t perform specific tasks. Although the physical reaction to pain might not be at that degree, the perceived pain will undoubtedly impact a person’s sleeping patterns. It could lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. People may exhibit avoidance behaviors.
By examining the cognitive and psychological effects, it is possible to implement treatment methods like cognitive behavioral therapy. It can modify the thinking patterns of individuals and their behaviors. In turn, this can trigger rehabilitation through the decrease of avoidance patterns.
Mental Health Challenges and the Rehabilitation Plan;
Patients who sustain physical injuries can suffer from various mental health issues related to their injury and changes in their physical health and functioning. We’ve explored the connection between trauma-related events and the onset of multiple conditions like post-traumatic depression, stress disorder, and anxiety. While these are the most common conditions after injury, people can notice changes in their behavior.
They may experience reduced tolerance levels and increased irritability, frustration, and anger; others may also feel more angry or emotionally vulnerable. Individuals may also experience changes in their sleeping habits. These issues and alterations could be made more complicated and aggravated when injuries lead to the person being unable to participate in everyday activities like personal care, work, or socializing with friends. It must be taken into consideration in the rehabilitation program.
Common signs that people encounter following the onset of mental health and physical issues are re-experienced the event as flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding things, and developing avoidance behavior.
Additionally, individuals may be afflicted with poor concentration and sleep disturbances, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and feelings of overwhelming emotions and despair.
Loss of a role or changing relationships could trigger feelings of despair, helplessness, and guilt and become a burden. In addition, physical trauma and pain of injuries can cause one to create a negative spiral which can trigger the onset of common mental health problems that come with trauma. The beginning of these disorders can hinder a person’s healing and recovery.
Since each person is different, so do their coping mechanisms, and while one individual may be able to manage changes in their physical health or function mentally, another may not. A predetermined order or pattern cannot be observed when examining the psychological effects of injuries. However, Jordan Sudberg says early recognition of anxiety, depression, and stress after injury and subsequent prevention intervention could help reduce the long-term effects and symptoms.
Conclusion;
The connection between physical injuries and the development of mental health issues is evident. As per Jordan Sudberg, we recognize that not only does engage in meaningful work help improve mental health, but it also helps patients in their recovery and aids them in reaching their goals.
