The Impact of Mental Health on Physical Recovery
Physical therapy after an accident or any other form of injury can take a toll on your psyche. Unfortunately, this can become a big problem because your mental health is crucial for a speedy physical recovery. To help you understand this better, today we’ll talk about the deep impact of mental health on physical recovery and how taking care of your mind can help you achieve more effective and comprehensive rehabilitation for the body.
What Is the Impact of Mental Health on Physical Recovery?
According to the CDC, mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts the way we think, feel, and act toward things in general. At the same time, it also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Therefore, people with good mental health will have a better chance of adhering to their rehabilitation curriculum, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and better pain management.
On the other hand, mental health issues can make people lose interest in adhering to treatment regimens and engaging in the rehabilitation process, thus slowing down healing. Likewise, physical disabilities can often cause mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which are very hard to recover from. So, it’s all a vicious circle that highlights the impact of mental health on recovery.
Mental Health Issues that Can Affect Physical Rehabilitation
Different mental health-related issues often come up during the physical recovery process and may, therefore, complicate and lengthen the process of healing. Here are some of them.
Anxiety Disorders
Among patients going through physical recovery, there’s a high prevalence of anxiety disorders that act as a barrier in the recovery process. Therefore, it’s important to know the common symptoms to identify anxiety disorders early and seek treatment. Some of the psychological signs include continuous worrying, restlessness, lack of concentration, and social withdrawal. However, you can also experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and muscle tension. If these symptoms persist for more than six months, you must seek professional help.
Depression
People with depression can experience chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system, all of which can hinder recovery from illnesses or injuries. Likewise, depression can lead to poor self-care, including neglecting medications, therapies, or healthy lifestyle practices. So, watch out for signs of persistent sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Recognizing these signs early and seeking appropriate mental health support is key.
Adjustment disorder
Adjusting to a new kind of life following any sort of injury or surgery is really hard. Not being able to adjust to such changes in bodily abilities and daily patterns can lead to emotional pain, which then eventually affects mental and physical recovery.
Strategies to Support Mental Health During Recovery
Supporting mental health during the physical recovery translates into seeking professional help, focusing on self-care, and having a strong support system. Therefore, besides scheduling your first visit to the physical therapy clinic, you should also schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.
It is also important to practice self-care routines for mental health. Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress and anxiety by keeping you grounded and relaxed. Such routine activities balance emotions and promote a sense of inner peace. Likewise, engaging in regular, gentle exercise can improve your mental and physical health. Some common activities include yoga, tai chi, and brisk walking.
Ultimately, building a strong support network is key. Whether it’s your friends and family or online or in-person support groups, it doesn't matter. You just need someone who will listen to you whenever you feel down and try to help you get through it.
Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers, including physical therapists, play a significant role in integrating mental health support into physical recovery plans. A combination of mental and physical health treatments can lead to better outcomes. Physical therapists can support mental health by creating a positive and encouraging environment, setting achievable goals, and providing effective physical therapy services. By working collaboratively with other healthcare providers, physical therapists can help create a holistic recovery plan that supports all aspects of a patient's well-being.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you shouldn’t underestimate the impact of mental health on physical recovery. After all, mental health issues like anxiety disorders and depression can slow down your recovery and cause additional problems in your daily life. Therefore, supporting mental health during physical rehabilitation through specialized treatment, self-care practices, and a strong support system can aid in comprehensive recovery.
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health