Is the mind or body more vital to good health?
October is Mind & Body month at Silversurfers.
Both physical and mental health have a huge impact on our wellbeing and quality of life, though it’s only in recent years that mental health has begun to be taken as seriously as physical health.
You can be in perfect physical health but suffering terribly from a range of mental health illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia and PTSD.
Without a healthy mind, it’s difficult to truly appreciate and enjoy life and live to the fullest. Depression and anxiety can keep you isolated prevent you from working, forming strong friendships or having good self-esteem.
Good physical health is important too; serious diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke and AIDS can shape your quality of life and how you live it, often in a more forceful way than mental health.
Living with conditions like diabetes and arthritis can also have a big impact on your quality of life day-to-day – many people managing ongoing conditions feel limited at times because of it.
Ultimately, wellbeing has to be a balance of good mental and physical health.
Today at Speakers Corner we’re asking: which is more vital to good health? As we age, should we prioritise mental or physical health and wellbeing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
