Helen Ouyang discusses the connection between mental and physical health, and argues for preventive treatment for mental ailments under the American healthcare system.
Highlights
- Ouyang writes about the connection between mental and physical health, noting the increased acceptance of this link among the public in recent years. She acknowledges the history that led to prior wariness of this connection, citing the insufficient treatment of women and Black patients which resulted in missed and delayed diagnoses and even death.
- The article presents several examples of the impact poor mental health can have on the body, including impairments to immune responses and gut function as well as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, mental resilience and positive psychological interventions have been shown to improve physical health.
- She notes the American healthcare system’s resistance to address mental health within preventive care despite growing research. Consequently, she states that mental health is often under-addressed due to limited resources, training, and insurance barriers.
- Ouyang argues that the healthcare system needs to integrate mental health into preventive care, citing the potential for reduced healthcare costs, improved patient outcomes, and the ability to better address the full spectrum of health by treating both mind and body.
Type Media Center’s Note
This article by our fellow Helen Ouyang reflects Type Media Center’s dedication to nurturing independent journalism that not only informs but strives for societal change.