The top 5 reasons you shouldn't ignore your mental health

Feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious? If you answer yes, here’s why you should pay attention to those feelings — plus, how to get support.

Woman laying on couch

Mental health: It’s not all in your head. And left untreated, conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to physical illness. They can cause more mental health issues too.  

Only about 61% of adults who have had a major depressive event in the last year are getting treatment. But seeking help is one of the most important things you can do for your well-being.  

“If you thought you were having a heart attack, you’d call 911,” points out Rosalind Dorlen, PsyD. She’s a psychologist in Summit, New Jersey. You want to give your mental health the same level of focus. Ignoring the signs can make you sick. 

Here are 5 ways that leaving mental health issues untreated can harm your well-being. Plus, how to get the support you need and deserve. 

1. It can lead to physical illness 

Depression can affect more than your mind. Symptoms can show up in other parts of your body too. You may notice: 

  • Stomach problems 
  • Headaches 
  • Aches and pains  

Depression can even put your heart health at risk. One recent study looked at healthy adults ages 18 to 49. Those who reported depression or poor mental health days had a higher chance of:  

  • Heart attack 
  • Stroke 
  • Risk factors for heart disease 

2. It can make your mental health worse 

People with depression need the right care. Their mental health can decline without it. And the longer this goes on, the more difficult it is to treat.  

Why? Their drive to get help goes down. And over time, they feel more irritable and hopeless. 

Untreated mental health issues can also make it harder to sleep, says Dorlen. Lack of sleep can make your mood even worse.  

3. It can lead to self-harm and suicide 

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. And it’s the second leading cause of death in people ages 25 to 34.  

One big risk factor: a history of depression and other mental illness. It can raise your chances of suicidal thoughts. It also makes you more likely to act on impulsive or harmful thoughts. 

4. It can cause relationship problems 

People with poor mental health have higher rates of divorce. Mental health issues can also hurt relationships with family members and friends. 

That’s partly because when we’re depressed, we’re more likely to pull away from others. And that can hurt your mental health even more. 

Instead, try to do the opposite. Reach out to your support system. This can help boost your mental health and mood.  

5. It can up your risk of substance abuse 

Substance abuse and mental health issues often go hand in hand. About 8% of U.S. adults deal with both. And 62% of the 2 million U.S. adults who have an opioid use disorder also have a mental illness.   

Substance use is a common way people try to cope. But there are healthier ways to feel better. Keep reading to find resources that can help you get started today.  

Here’s how to get mental health support 

The best place to start? With your primary care provider (PCP), says Dorlen. They can refer you to a licensed mental health professional. And they can help guide you toward the right kind of therapist for your needs. 

Beyond your PCP, there are other places you can look to for support. They include: 

Article sources:   

Depression statistics: National Institute of Mental Health; American Journal of Preventive Medicine 
Depression overview: National Institute of Mental Health 
Heart disease and mental health: Journal of the American Heart Association  
Suicide statistics: National Institute of Mental Health; Mayo Clinic 
Benefits of social connection: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
Substance use and mental health:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; National Institutes of Health 

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