Exploring the Interplay Between Physical and Mental Health

Course overview

Although many people view physical and mental health as two very different components of overall well-being, these two aspects of overall health influence and interact with each other in various ways. Simply put, when individuals are mentally healthy, they can sustain or improve their physical health and vice versa. Physical and mental health have a biological connection, significantly impact each other, influence lifestyle factors, and affect resilience and coping. Many people in the United States are experiencing a decline in their mental and physical health and fail to recognize how the two are intimately intertwined. Understanding how biological, psychological, and social factors interplay and the specific implications of mental and physical health on one another can help practitioners develop interventions and practical strategies to assist those who are struggling and seeking their services.