Mental and physical health are both crucial aspects of overall health—and they are closely interconnected. By focusing on mental health, you can also improve your physical health, and the same is true in reverse.

Unlike other physical illnesses, mental illnesses originate in the brain. The brain, like any other organ, undergoes changes, healing, and injury based on life experiences. Mental illnesses can also affect the rest of the body. For example, depression increases the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. And poor physical health can adversely affect our mental health. Ongoing or chronic medical conditions like traumatic brain injury, cancer, and diabetes increase the risk of a mental health condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, one in four adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness, while one in 20 experienced or dealt with a serious mental illness. If left untreated, serious mental illnesses can lead to significant emotional, behavioral, and physical health issues.