There is no truer statement than “health is wealth.” Health is the foundation of life and good health is advantageous to living a full and vibrant life. Although one can live a full life with poor health, it can hamper one’s ability and create barriers to moving through life effortlessly if there is such a thing. Health is comprised of several facets that include physical health, emotional health, and mental health. Each are deeply interconnected and vital to overall health.
For many years, stigma has surrounded mental health even as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than a billion people worldwide are affected by a mental health condition.1 This has prevented many from seeking and receiving needed help and has kept in the shadow the true number of people who may endure mental health challenges, many of which are quite common. Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn, work well and contribute to their community” as defined by the WHO.1 In the U.S. one in five adults experience mental illness each year as indicated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).5 No one should be ashamed to acknowledge that they are struggling mentally and may need to seek out help. Mental health is just as important to our well-being as our physical health. In fact, it can affect our physical health when it goes unattended, eventually showing up in our bodies. It can begin to affect people physically through headaches, muscle aches, stomach and digestive issues, heart racing, and abdominal cramping.4 Additionally, some people experiencing chronic physical conditions or illnesses also experience mental health struggles. Those dealing with long-term physical conditions/illnesses can experience stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, frustration, grief, sleep problems, eating disorders, psychosis, social isolation or loneliness.2
As important as it is to take care of our physical health it is equally imperative that we take care of our mental health. We can care for our mental health by taking practical steps to reduce stress and improve our physical health. Some practical steps include consuming a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep.3 Each of these help to improve one’s mood and overall health. As little as 30 minutes of exercising each day can improve a person’s mood and health. Additionally, focusing on positivity, practicing gratitude, and staying connected to friends and family who can provide support all help to improve mental health.
Seek out the care you need. Just as care from a health provider is sought when we have a physical need, care should also be sought from health care providers when we have a mental health need. Unfortunately, sometimes we just don’t know where to begin or where to look. A great place to start is with your primary care physician. They can help to connect you with resources that can help you find therapists/clinicians who are trained to help you with your mental health.
References
- Mental Health. World Health Organization. October 8, 2025. Accessed on May 13, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
- Mental Health and Physical Illness. Every Mind Matters. National Health Service. Accessed on May 12, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/health-issues/
- National Institute of Mental Health. Caring for Your Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Accessed on May 12, 2026, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
- Potts M. 5 Physical Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Teva. October 1, 2024. Accessed on May 12, 2026. https://www.tevapharm.com/patients-and-caregivers/all-stories/physical-symptoms-depression-anxiety/
- Types of Conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed on May 13, 2026. https://www.nami.org/types-of-conditions
Public Health Matters 
Leave a comment