In today’s times, health is being acknowledged as physical as well as mental. Mental wellbeing became a part of the WHO’s constitution as far back as 1948. However, primary healthcare systems in a multitude of countries still continue to focus on physical care alone. Despite mental health conditions being on the rise in almost every part of the world, these systems fail to provide care to their populations in that domain.
Why integrate mental health therapy?
Mental health therapy refers to various treatments that help identify and change intense emotions, troublesome behaviours and dysfunctional thoughts. The goal is to relieve symptoms of mental health conditions, maintain or improve day-to-day functionality and improve quality of life. Integrating mental health into routine healthcare offers major advantages. It allows people to access timely support without delays or stigma, it leads to better recovery, improved overall health, and stronger social connections.
Greater Access to Care
In many countries, mental health services are still limited to distant psychiatric institutions, making it hard for people to access the care they need close to home. When mental health therapy is made part of routine healthcare, it becomes easily accessible and reduces indirect expenditures (such as transportation, time delays, etc.). The fear of being called ‘mad’ or ‘dangerous’ is also placated as mental health services become more acceptable. Thus, mental health care delivered through primary healthcare settings becomes more accessible, affordable and acceptable for the population.
Mind-Body Connection
The mind-body connection is the link between one’s physical health and their behaviors, emotions, thoughts and attitudes. Studies across the globe have identified that poor physical health affects the mind whereas dwindling mental health affects the body. Stress releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, leading to a short-term energy boost that helps us get out of dangerous situations. However, chronic stress – now a daily part of people’s lives – impacts one’s mind and body. Releasing these hormones very frequently can lead to a weakened immune system, digestive problems, slower healing, etc. In addition, our thoughts and beliefs can also affect our physical health. Negative thinking patterns – such as jumping to conclusions, self-criticism, assuming the worst – can make it difficult for one to deal with their health issues. While preventing chronic diseases starts with healthy habits—like eating well, staying active, and sleeping better, sticking to these changes depends on our mindset, daily choices, and behaviors, all of which are shaped by how we think and feel. Thus, making mental health care part of routine health care can help identify these issues early and mitigate them in the initial stages.
Better Health Outcomes
Mental health is often comorbid with many physical conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, tuberculosis, etc. Lack of mental health therapy in routine care can thus hinder the identification and treatment of these interconnected conditions. With physical and mental health care integrated, primary care responders can provide holistic care and treatment and increase the likelihood of better health outcomes. Moreover, primary care settings provide care through a person’s life, allowing for better long-term monitoring and support for mental health conditions.
Mental fitness
Mental fitness refers to a state of well-being and having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act. Like physical illnesses, mental health conditions can be genetic and influenced by our environment. For instance, when one of our family members suffers from diabetes, we take extra precautions and set goals (exercise, healthy diet, keeping a check on cholesterol, etc.) to prevent the same fate. In a similar fashion, individuals with a family history of mental illness may be at increased risk and should be encouraged to take proactive measures. Therefore, establishing personal mental health goals and attending routine mental health check-ups can help prevent or manage these conditions. This proactive approach not only supports early identification but also strengthens overall emotional resilience.
Integrating mental health therapy into routine healthcare is no longer optional—it’s essential. By making mental well-being as important as physical health, we can create a more inclusive, accessible, and effective system. This will help individuals heal fully, live better, and build stronger emotional resilience for the future.
Photo Credits:
First image: freepik
Second image: freepik
References
Funk, M., Saraceno, B., Drew, N., & Faydi, E. (2008). Integrating mental health into primary healthcare. Mental health in family medicine, 5(1), 5–8.
Miki, A. (2022). Mental fitness explained by a CBT psychologist – Starling minds. Starling Minds. https://www.starlingminds.com/mental-fitness-explained-by-a-cbt-psychologist/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). Psychotherapies. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
Wing, J. (2021). What is the Mind-Body Connection? Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health. https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/what-is-the-mind-body-connection/
Sakshi
About the author
Sakshi is a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for understanding human behavior, a strong drive for research, and a keen eye for psychological intricacies. Committed to continuous learning, she seeks to explore every facet of psychology, from theory to practice, to better support and empower individuals. With a curiosity that fuels her pursuit of knowledge, she strives to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, making psychology more accessible and impactful.
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