Public Schools of Robeson County
Mental Health Minute
February, 26, 2024
Mental Health and Wellness
Heart Health Month and Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial part of one’s life and overall well-being. Mental health disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic stress can cause negative consequences with one’s overall well-being especially when it comes to heart health.
Individuals experiencing these mental disorders over an increased amount of time may experience a higher blood pressure and heart rate, decreased flow of blood to the heart, and an expansion of cortisol levels which can all lead to heart disease.
Mental health disorders can also arise after experiencing cardiac activity due to the following factors: pain, terror of dying or developing a disability, and fear of financial issues.
Mental health disorders may expand the possibility of developing unhealthy behaviors such as: smoking, drinking, not exercising, etc. Those unhealthy behaviors also cause an increased risk of developing heart diseases or issues.
There are several ways you can improve your health or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Speak with your primary doctor about mental health disorders and the impact they can have on your heart health and possible treatment options.
Seek mental health services early and preventatively so mental health providers can support individuals with healthy behaviors. Please see Public Schools of Robeson County’s mental health provider list for more information.
Become familiar with symptoms and signs of mental health disorders as well as your heart health.
Discuss genetics and family history with your primary doctor concerning heart health.
Sustain a lifestyle that works for you and is healthy.
Happy Mental Health, (Nancy Powell, BSW, SCORE Project Coordinator)
Resources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Heart Disease and Mental Health Disorders. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisea...