Mellie Belvis Nurse Practitioner , Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Darian Eletto DirectorofOutpatient BehavioralHealth Services , Bergen New BridgeMedical Center

PHOTOS / BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER

There are many different things that can stress us out . It might be achange inour daily routine , atraumatic life altering event , financial issues , relationship problems and more . The greatest concern should be how that stress manifests in mental health challenges as well as physical ailments and chronic conditions or diseases we maybefacing .

Statistics show the lifespan of people with severe mental illness is shorter compared tothe general population . But how domental health challenges impact lifespan ? The answer isthat mortality from mental illness is directly correlated to physical illness brought on by mental health challenges .

Those dealing with mental health challenges are less likely to receive basic levels of health care , including routine physicals and followupappointments . Mental health impacts physical health , chronic illness outcomes , sleep patterns , and more .

Someofthe physical manifestations include :

■ High blood pressure and elevated heart rate

■ Heart disease & stroke

■ Obesity

■ Diabetes

■ Gastrointestinal issues

■ Autoimmune disorders

■ Eatingdisorders

■ Addiction

So , that is the bad news about stress and mental illness and its negative impact on your body . The good news is thatthereare ways to reduce stress in your daily life and treatment options are available for your mental health challenges .

Someofthe ways you can take charge of your mental and physical health include :

■ Eatingahealthy diet

■ Daily exercise

■ Getting enough sleep

■ Avoiding smoking / substance use

■ Practicing positive self-talk

■ Getting routinephysicals

■ Connecting to the careand support youneed fromtrained professionals

Don ’ t Forget Self-Care

Self-care has become abit of a buzzword over the last few years but caring for yourself is critically important . Women often do not take the time to make themselves a priority because they are caringfor children or adult parents , maintaining a household , working full-time and more . Aslisted above , there is asteepprice to pay

for not taking care of yourself so do not forget to leave room in your calendar to make yourself a priority on aregular basis .

What does self-care look like ? Well , it is different for everyone . Some enjoy taking a walk to start or end theirday . For others , journaling , reading , or catching up on a favorite show are stress relievers . Many find that being social by getting togetherwithfriends and colleagues , volunteering and more can help elevate your mood . Pamperingisanother popular stress reducer – a visit to the spa is greatbut so is blocking off timeto allow forahome mani / pedi .

At Bergen New Bridge Medical Center , weuse an integrated care model that blends behavioral health services with medical services . We do this in both our outpatient Ambulatory Care Center and for those who are inpatient with us at the Medical Center . This care model requires a high level of collaborationbyprovidersinavariety of disciplines and requires consistent communication to ensure cohesive and consistent care . The positive outcomes are many aswe see symptoms reduced , enhanced access to services , improvedlevel of care and a decrease in the longterm healthcare costs for both the patient and the Medical Center .

We encourageyou to be morein tune with your bodies . If you are experiencing mental or physical discomfort , make an appointment to get the help andsupport you need . Most of all , bekind to yourself – you are worth it .