The Link Between Mental and Physical Health: Why Both Matter

When we talk about health, most people automatically think of the physical body—things like heart rate, nutrition, or exercise. Others may think of emotional wellness: stress, anxiety, mood swings, or trauma. But the truth is, mental and physical health are deeply connected, and focusing on one without the other often leaves important pieces of the healing puzzle missing.

At Evergreen Therapeutics, we approach therapy from a whole-person perspective. We believe that real, lasting wellness happens when we understand how the mind and body work together. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating relationship between mental and physical health—and why taking care of both is essential to feeling well, inside and out.

How Mental Health Impacts the Body:

You’ve likely heard the term “psychosomatic”—and maybe even misunderstood it. It doesn’t mean symptoms are imagined; it means that psychological processes can manifest as real physical symptoms. And they do—more often than most people realize.

Here’s how mental health struggles can show up in your body:

● Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension

● Anxiety can cause digestive issues (such as IBS), chest tightness, or chronic headaches

● Depression may lead to fatigue, low pain tolerance, slower digestion, and even immune suppression

● Unprocessed trauma is often stored in the body, showing up as chronic pain, sleep disorders, or somatic flashbacks

And yet, when people experience these physical symptoms, they often first go to their primary care doctor. While medical exams are important, these symptoms may persist—sometimes for years—unless the underlying emotional stress is addressed.

How Physical Health Impacts Mental Wellness:

The connection goes both ways. Our bodies also shape how we feel emotionally. This is particularly important when treating clients dealing with chronic health issues, pain, or hormonal imbalances.

Some ways physical health influences mental health include:

● Chronic illness or pain can increase the risk of depression and anxiety

● Sleep deprivation impairs emotional regulation and worsens symptoms of stress, irritability, and brain fog

● Poor nutrition has been linked to mood swings, low energy, and difficulties concentrating

● Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid dysfunction or PCOS) can mimic anxiety or depression

Even mild physical discomfort—like persistent back pain, migraines, or exhaustion—can significantly affect motivation, mood, and self-esteem. And if someone’s mental health suffers as a result, it can start a vicious cycle where both systems begin to deteriorate.

The Mind-Body Loop – A Two-Way Relationship:

Mental and physical health are not separate; they are integrated systems that constantly communicate with each other.

Let’s look at a few real-life examples of this loop in action:

● A person with high anxiety might experience muscle tightness, shortness of breath, and digestive issues, which then cause more anxiety

● Someone with depression may sleep too much, eat poorly, and feel fatigued—leading to more isolation and worse mood

●Chronic pain can lead to irritability and hopelessness, which can increase stress hormones and, in turn, amplify the pain

When we ignore this loop, treatment may only scratch the surface. But when we address both mind and body, people often experience deeper and longer-lasting results.

What This Means in Therapy:

So how does this information translate into what happens in a therapy session?

At Evergreen Therapeutics, we take an integrated approach. That might mean:

● Helping clients identify where they carry stress in their body (e.g., jaw clenching, chest pressure, headaches)

● Using grounding techniques, breathwork, or movement to regulate the nervous system

● Collaborating with medical professionals, dietitians, or physical therapists when needed

● Exploring how past experiences or traumas might be impacting current health issues

We also recognize that emotions live in the body, and we don’t rush to “fix” or bypass them.

Instead, we teach clients how to safely feel, process, and release what’s stuck—physically and emotionally.

Small Steps to Support Both Mind and Body:

You don’t need to overhaul your life to start improving both mental and physical health. Here are some practical, therapist-approved steps you can take today:

1. Start with Your Breath: Deep, intentional breathing lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), relaxes muscles, and signals to the brain that you’re safe.

2. Move Gently and Often: Movement—whether it’s walking, stretching, dancing, or yoga—boosts endorphins, reduces inflammation, and improves mood.

3. Check In With Your Body: Practice body scans or mindfulness exercises to notice where you’re holding tension, and release it with intention.

4. Nourish Yourself Consistently: Eat balanced meals, hydrate, and reduce caffeine or sugar if you notice they impact your anxiety or sleep.

5. Seek Connection and Support: Talk to a therapist, friend, or group who can help you process your experiences and feel less alone. To speak with someone today, click here.

Real Healing Happens When We See the Full Picture:

Too often, clients come to therapy after years of bouncing between doctors and specialists without answers. They’re told “everything looks fine” on paper, but they don’t feel well.

That’s where therapy can bridge the gap.

At Evergreen Therapeutics, we don’t just treat symptoms—we help you understand the why behind them. We explore your lived experience, your story, your body’s signals, and your goals. And we walk with you toward healing that touches both mind and body.

Final Thoughts:

Mental health and physical health are not separate lanes—they are interconnected paths on the same journey. If you’re feeling exhausted, stuck, or unwell, it’s worth asking: What might my mind be trying to tell me through my body? And what might my body be trying to express about my emotional life?

Healing doesn’t happen in parts. It happens when we care for the whole person.

Ready to Take the First Step?:

Whether you’re struggling with stress, burnout, chronic pain, or just feeling “off,” you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our compassionate therapists are here to help you reconnect with your body, your mind, and your sense of wholeness.