The Link Between Mind and Body and Health

By Christina Sullivan

The World Health Organisation defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

Unfortunately, there can be a lack of recognition of the link between the mind and body, resulting in negative health outcomes. Healthcare providers need to recognise that mental health is a significant element of holistic health, and physical and mental health should not be separated.

The life expectancy of people suffering from mental health issues is 20 per cent less than the general population, mostly due to disease rather than accidents or suicide. Sometimes, people with mental health issues miss the early signs of physical illness or don't have access to treatments. Also, people who have a chronic health condition or suffer a sudden health event, have a greater risk of developing a mental illness like depression.

The healthcare community has a responsibility to acknowledge the health of a person as a whole. The link between mental and physical health needs to be increased with support from the healthcare community.

People need education about the links between mental and physical health and how to recognise the signs of physical and mental illness.