More than half of all people have at least one physical or mental illness at any given time. Mental and physical health disorders often co-occur which makes the prognosis of each more difficult. This is because our brain is the hub of the central nervous system which extends throughout every part of our bodies.

The presence of a mental health disorder can have a significant effect on physical health. It can exacerbate illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It can also harm the immune system and leave people more susceptible to illness. In fact, people with the most serious forms of mental illness die on an average of 25 years earlier compared to the general population.

Mental health problems often start off insidiously at an early age, which makes them difficult to identify. Most people do not receive treatment until there is a significant stressor in their lives that causes the disorder to become obvious.

Many people still do not seek treatment after the illness worsens and live with significant distress that often causes harm to their quality of life, relationships and value system. When this happens, people often try to cope by using unhelpful strategies. Over time, these nonproductive strategies can profoundly decrease psychological and physical well-being.

Virtually all physical health disorders can contribute to the onset of mental illness. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, mononucleosis and countless other disorders can cause psychological symptoms and the onset of mental illness.

Two good examples of how physical and mental illness interact are heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with depression are more likely to suffer a heart attack because the disease of depression causes platelets to become sticky, which accelerates hardening of the arteries.

IBD can be triggered by stress and also has a direct link to anxiety. This is due to inflammatory proteins called cytokines that disrupt the normal flow of neurotransmitters in the nervous system. Up to half of all people with IBD have an anxiety disorder. This isn’t surprising news since the gut is considered our “second brain” and manufactures 95 percent of the body’s serotonin—a neurotransmitter that has a profound impact on mood.

The Mayo Clinic reports that up to 25 percent of people admitted to an intensive care unit will ultimately develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Individuals who experience delirium and those who required mechanical ventilation are at higher risk of developing the disorder. Depression is also a common diagnosis in people that have experienced a significant cardiac event. The survival rate during recovery is significantly reduced by the presence of untreated depression.

Depression and anxiety have physical symptoms that bring many people to the doctor’s office. Insomnia, headaches, low energy, pain, muscle twitches, stomach aches and lightheadedness are all symptoms that can signal a physical or mental illness. It is very frustrating when these physical symptoms go unexplained despite testing. A mental health clinician may be able to identify a mental illness when a physician has ruled out a physical cause.

Many people with physical symptoms, whether it is a physical or mental health condition that causes them, often become obsessed with their health. This can lead to excessive doctor visits, obsessive lab tests and endless internet searches. This usually only serves to increase the susceptibility to both physical and psychological illness.

There are many medications, or medication withdrawals, that have an influence on the central nervous system. These can trigger or worsen mental illnesses. For example, a popular class of medication called glucocorticoids may cause excessive anxiety, depression, and may even influence suicidal behavior in a minority of people.

This all sounds very scary, but there is considerable evidence that treating the whole person can prevent serious physical and mental health disorders. This has led to an evidence-based movement called “integrative health” where mental health is treated as equivalent to physical health.

As the cost of health care continues to rise, it has become increasingly important to make good decisions regarding the allocation of resources. Insurance companies are placing an emphasis on outcomes as compared to the traditional pay for the service received. A heavy emphasis is now being placed on the early identification and treatment of psychological problems in primary care settings.

Research into the psychological sciences is advancing and new treatments are being developed. Screening for mental health disorders has become as essential as physical exams for overall health. Early assessment and treatment can prevent more serious physical and mental illnesses, but it is never too late to get help.

Although leading a healthy lifestyle is vital for mental and physical health, the following are some of the research-backed standard and complementary mental health treatments that you may want to discuss with your health care provider:

• Psychotherapy: Counseling that reduces symptoms and improves coping.

• Psychiatric rehabilitation: Therapy that increases a person’s ability to re-learn skills lost due to illness.

• Psychotropic medication: Medication that directly reduces or stabilizes symptoms.

• Behavioral health home: Integrative physical and mental health care coordination for those with co-occurring disorders.

• Cranial electrotherapy stimulation: Uses low amp frequencies to reduce anxiety, depression and insomnia with very few side effects.

• Relaxation and mindfulness exercises: Breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi.

• Cognitive/behavior/self-help: Workbooks and web-based programs that help change thought patterns and behaviors.

• Nutritional supplements: Acetyl-l-carnitine and SAMe for depression and melatonin for insomnia.

• Herbal supplements: Saffron for depression, valerian and passion flower for anxiety and insomnia.

• Essential oils: L-theanine and lavender for anxiety and sleep.

• Other complementary treatments: Chiropractic care, acupuncture, marriage counseling, massage therapy, hypnotherapy, light therapy, equine therapy, art therapy, religious counseling, or reiki.

Contact Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) at 800-450-2273 if you have any mental health questions or to schedule an assessment. RMHC may also be contacted 24-hours a day in the event of a mental health crisis. Always call 911 if there is an imminent threat of harm.

Chad Scott, PhD, is a licensed professional clinical counselor with the Range Mental Health Center and adjunct professor of psychology with Bemidji State University.