Physical Manifestations of Mental Health Disorders
It is becoming more and more clear that mental and physical health are intertwined. Yet while has been shown to impact the other, it is commonly assumed that the symptoms of mental health disorders are entirely mental. For some, this may hold true. For others, their mental health may have a direct impact on their physical health. It is important to note that each person is unique, and that there is no singular set of symptoms that perfectly correlates with every person. Here, we break down some of the more common physical manifestations of different mental health conditions that may sometimes be overlooked.
Depression: Those with depression often experience fatigue, which makes a lot of sense, since depression can affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that affect awakeness and alertness. Depression can also impact the quality of one’s sleep, furthering this fatigue. Increased stress associated with depression may also impact how tired someone is. Other physical symptoms include changes in appetite (often decreased appetite), body aches, a lowered libido, digestive issues, and more.
Anxiety: Anxiety comes with a host of physical symptoms for many people. Feeling afraid or existing in “fight or flight” more may cause some to experience a fast or irregular heartbeat. Additionally, this elevated fear may cause more fast and shallow breathing. These, whether they are experienced together or separately, may cause chest pain and tightness. Long-term stress can also impact the neurotransmitters in your body, which can lead to digestive issues like stomach pain and constipation by disrupting the gut-brain connection. Other things someone may experience by existing in a heightened state of stress or fear include sweating, shaking, decreased appetite, and headaches.
These may also be seen in instances where anxiety is a component of something else. For example, those with many forms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience anxiety as one of several symptoms, and therefore may experience some of the above phenomena. Those with PTSD may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD can come with an increased awareness of bodily functions and behaviors. Some people with OCD may be increasingly conscious of how often they are blinking, or hyper-aware of the need to go to the bathroom. Similarly, some may experience a strong urge to itch or vomit. Some may also experience smelling or hearing something that is not present, such as smelling gasoline or hearing voices.
Bipolar Disorder: Those with Bipolar Disorder can cycle between depression and what is referred to as ‘mania,’ which is characterized by increased activity, mood, and more. Bipolar disorder can lead to several different physical symptoms depending on whether a person is experiencing a manic or depressive phase. The symptoms of a depressive phase are similar to that of depression, which is described above. The physical manifestations of a manic phase may include a decreased need for sleep, an elevated mood, fast or loud talking, increased energy, and a high sex drive.
Of course, each person will experience each of these disorders differently. However, our main goal is to point out that these and other conditions often come with physical symptoms, rather than just mental ones. For example, it is a misconception that those who experience anxiety just feel afraid. Sometimes, the condition comes with nausea, chest pain, and trouble breathing, which can be scary in their own ways.
Why it matters:
Each person experiences mental health concerns in different ways. Those who experience many of these physical symptoms may notice a decrease in their daily quality of life due to pain, discomfort, and fatigue, and these can compound with the psychological symptoms of mental health disorders. Additionally, some symptoms, such as anxiety-induced chest pain or the smelling things that aren’t there, can be frightening and lead people to question what is happening within their own bodies. In fact, many have noted that a panic attack has similar symptoms to heart attack. Because of this, some people who experience panic attacks may report feeling as though they are dying, which can make the panic even worse. By acknowledging the relation between physical and mental health, we can better listen to what our bodies are telling us and experience a better, healthier life. This can be achieved through somatic experiencing, meditation, and other therapeutic techniques.
If you or anyone you know struggle with managing the physical manifestations of mental health concerns, please reach out to us here. We specialize in holistic approaches that can help you move away from discomfort and towards relief!
Written by: Nicky Denning