Men’s Mental Health is Connected to Their Physical Health
Throughout history, men have often been characterized as the physically stronger sex. Scripture even alludes to it: “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7, ESV) In our culture, strength, fitness, and stamina are sometimes unfairly valued over other qualities in men. While most men are familiar with the importance of physical health and exercise, not all are aware of the important link between physical health and mental health.
According to a recent study from Oregon State University, people who experience a physical health problem like diabetes, joint pain, or heart disease, are three times more likely to seek mental health care than those with no physical issues. The connection between physical and mental health works both ways. Physical illness not only leads to certain mood disorders–the opposite can also occur. While a depressed mood is thought to contribute to the development and progression of some medical illnesses, physical illness can also trigger or increase the risk of mental health issues.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression can co-occur with other medical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have also found evidence that stress, emotional distress, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder can all weaken the immune system and disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.
According to a 2010 study on men’s health, 50 percent of cancer patients suffer from a mental illness, especially depression and anxiety, and treating symptoms of depression in cancer patients may improve survival time. Another 2009 study on male patients who were depressed, the risk of having a heart attack was more than twice as high as in the general population. That study showed that treating the symptoms of depression after a heart attack has been shown to lower both mortality and re-hospitalization rates.
With No-Shave November, I have been reading up on preventative care in men. Especially with male-specific diseases like testicular cancer and prostate cancer, early diagnosis and treatment have the best outcomes for survivors. The problem is that men tend to delay healthcare more often than females. They also report higher levels of medical mistrust than females. So, men really need to get in for regular check-ups and learn that medical staff are really there to help. The more we as men talk about it and promote regular preventative medicine, the less need we will have for comorbid mental health care.
Paul talked about men taking care of their bodies in an illustration about marriage: “After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church” (Ephesians 5:29, NIV84) So, it is more than just taking care of a body. It is taking care of the body which God created and Christ redeemed. It is also the temple of the Holy Spirit and your spirit. So, take care of what God has given you. It is a matter of good stewardship. So, here is your encouragement: get your annual check-up and listen to the doctor. Your body and your mental health will benefit from it.
See you next time, here at the corner of faith and mental health.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Chad Wright