Your annual physical is the perfect time to learn more about your mental and physical health and ways to support your well-being year-round.
Your mind and body may seem independent, but they’re interconnected. When you aren’t feeling well physically, it can affect your mental health, which includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Similarly, long-term stress or other mental health issues can take a toll on your physical health. Even if you struggle to talk about how you’re feeling, a mental health screening during your annual physical is an essential aspect of men’s health care.
Health Screenings for the Body and Mind
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends all adults be screened for depression and adults between 18 and 64 be screened for anxiety. Like other health screenings, a mental health screening can shed light on serious health concerns, allowing you to get the treatment you need.
Signs to Watch For
Men and women have the same mental health conditions, but men may experience different symptoms. In addition to feelings of persistent sadness or being overwhelmed, men need to look out for:
- Behaviors or thoughts that interfere with family, friends, home life, school, or work
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Changes in appetite or energy level
- Chronic stress or worry
- Compulsive behavior or obsessive thinking
- Increased aggression or anger
- Irritability
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Turning to alcohol, drugs, a poor diet, or smoking to cope
If you’re having thoughts about hurting yourself or others, get medical health immediately. You can also call 988 to talk with a trained counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There’s no shame in seeking help for mental health symptoms. There are several treatments available that can help improve day-to-day functioning, mood, and quality of life. Plus, talking to a healthcare provider may give your physical health a boost, too.
The Mind-Body Connection
Men who experience chronic or long-term anxiety or depression or have a consistently high level of stress have an increased risk of developing:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure, also called hypertension
- Metabolic disease
Mental health symptoms can also be caused by a physical health condition, such as:
- Certain infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diabetes
- Neurological conditions, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
- Thyroid issues
- Vitamin deficiencies
Letting your provider know about mental health concerns during your annual physical can help you get to the core of the issue and get the right treatment, no matter the cause.
Proactive Steps for Holistic Well-Being
In addition to getting an annual physical, there are other steps you can take to promote mental and physical health: avoid or quit smoking; eat a balanced diet; exercise regularly; get enough sleep; and learn healthy ways to manage stress daily.
Want to learn more ways to support your health? Walk in or schedule an appointment for an annual physical with Hold My Spot.
[Sources:]
988lifeline.org, cdc.gov, cdc.gov, heart.org, medlineplus.gov, nimh.nih.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, samhsa.gov, uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org, uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org