Mental health and your body

Posted: 6/1/2018

If you or a loved one has a mental health condition, you’re not alone. Parkland experts want you to know that mental health issues are common but can be treated and prevented.

Taking good care of your body is a great way to take care of your mental health. A healthy lifestyle can prevent or keep health problems, such as depression, anxiety, diabetes and heart disease, from getting worse.  Eating healthy foods, controlling stress, exercising and getting enough sleep can help your mental health a lot. Exercising and eating foods that are good for you can:

• Reduce stress
• Make your immune system stronger so you don’t get sick as often
• Lower blood pressure
• Prevent or help manage diabetes and heart disease
• Make your mood and overall mental health better

Having a mental illness is not your fault. With the right treatment, you can control your symptoms and live an active, healthy life.