When a person is in pain, they sometimes take desperate measures in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. While this is understandable, sometimes the very things they do to try to feel better only make things worse. At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina, we work with our patients to help them identify productive ways they can manage their physical and behavioral health.
Dangerous Types of Coping Skills
To cope with mental illness, trauma, or chronic physical pain, people sometimes make choices that can lead to long-term negative consequences. They are at increased risk for developing the following habits:
- Smoking cigarettes can increase their risk of developing heart and lung issues
- Avoiding physical movement places them at higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, and obesity
- Eating convenience or comfort foods with less fiber and more fat can further increase their risk for obesity and heart problems
- Misusing alcohol and other drugs to numb their pain, which can intensify physical and mental health issues in various ways, depending on the substance in question
Barriers to Health Care
People with mental health disorders are not just more likely to develop physical health problems, but they also face increased barriers to health care. Medical doctors often have very little training in mental health. As a result, they may feel very uncomfortable treating it, which could mean that they don’t ask a lot of questions about behavioral health or that they blame mental health when a person has a medical problem.
In addition, people with mental health diagnoses are more likely to have:
- Insufficient transportation
- Difficulty keeping appointments
- Struggles describing their symptoms and side effects clearly
- Heightened distrust of doctors, if they experience psychosis
A Vicious Cycle
Not only can mental health issues increase the likelihood that a person will develop physical health problems, but having a medical disorder, especially one that leads to chronic pain, places a person at increased risk for mental illness. As a result, the person can experience an ongoing struggle with physical and mental suffering.
Addressing Mental and Physical Health Together
While there are medications that can help with some mental and physical health symptoms, there are many other ways a person can promote their well-being, which may allow them to reduce what medications they need or help their medications work more effectively.
Movement
What this looks like depends on you. Swimming, yoga, bicycling, dance, gardening, walking, or just stretching are all great places to start. Talk to your doctor to get recommendations on what would be best for you.
- Makes the body stronger
- Fights obesity
- Stimulates the production of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain
- Provides a distraction from symptoms
- Increases self-confidence
- Offers an opportunity for social engagement
- Decreases many chronic illness symptoms
- Is a healthy coping skill
Sleep
Most adults need 7-9 hours per night. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you might be surprised how much this one change can impact your health, both in the moment and long term.
Nutrition
Your body and your brain need proper fuel to function at their very best. This doesn’t mean you have to always prepare elaborate meals. Even if you have days where you can barely get out of bed, it’s still possible to eat healthily.
Mindfulness
There are many free videos online that can guide you through meditations, deep breathing, yoga, and other mindfulness techniques that can lower your stress levels, reduce chronic pain, and decrease anxiety.
Reducing or Eliminating Substances
Nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs might help you feel better in the moment, but long-term, they are undermining your health.
Getting Support
Family, friends, a therapist, support groups, a faith community, or other people who offer encouragement can be a priceless tool for people who are struggling with medical or mental health concerns.
Finding a Purpose
It’s easier to get out of bed in the morning if you’re looking forward to something. For some people, that is interacting with a pet and a loved one. For others, it’s engaging in a hobby or meaningful volunteer work. Finding something that motivates you can make it easier to push forward when you feel like giving up.
We Are Here For You
At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we believe in treating the whole person and supporting the whole family. Our caring team of professionals works with patients who are experiencing acute psychiatric issues, helping them and their support systems to stabilize and heal.
