Our emotional and mental health status is part of our overall health. Our mental health both compliments and has an enormous impact on our physical health.
Communities that are made up of well-adjusted individuals who describe themselves as “happy” and “satisfied” contribute positively to the sense of a thriving community.
Being healthy socially and emotionally is part of overall good health across the lifespan.
Even young children fall on the mental health spectrum from thriving to unhealthy.
Individuals who are isolated, due to lack of transportation or personal mobility, or poor mental health, can suffer from poor physical health. A 2015 study showed loneliness is as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
It’s never too late to heal from poor mental health. No longer do we look on mental illness as shameful or taboo. Communities now recognizes all facets of health — physical, dental, mental and emotional — are part of a person’s overall well being.
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety, depression, an eating disorder or behavioral or emotional symptoms that make life difficult, schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor appointment to rule out physical causes. If indicated, accept mental health treatment, which many insurances cover.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
