When we think of ‘psychological well-being,’ we usually assume it means our mental well-being. However, while many may imagine psychological and physical well-being to be different, the two are deeply entangled. Therefore, the term ‘psychological well-being’ encompasses our physical and mental status for a holistic picture. Mental health disorders don’t exist in a bubble and can sometimes have incredibly far-reaching effects on our body too. Therefore, just as it’s essential to head to the doctor for a checkup, it’s vital to monitor our mental health. With better health and well-being, you’re likely to feel more fulfillment and satisfaction in your life. You can connect better with family members and loved ones, work more productively, and enjoy life to the fullest. Psychologists play an essential role in ensuring you can make the most of your life. Below, we’ll explain more about the role psychologists play in promoting health and well-being.
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Improve Communities
We might not imagine it, but our health and well-being rely heavily on our communities’ general health. The human body is supposed to be part of society, and unhealthy societies can breed unhealthy minds and bodies. If you live in a neglected, downtrodden area rife with crime, you are more likely to fall prey to all sorts of problems. You can suffer accidents that impact your health or suffer from issues due to poor nutrition. Furthermore, individuals from vulnerable communities are much more prone to falling prey to crime. Substance abuse and other offenses can impact not just one person but everyone in the community. Psychologists work to ensure that these people get the help they deserve.
There are different areas of psychology, and forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to physical health. Many cultural, behavioral, and psychological factors affect well-being, and psychologists help connect these dots. In particular, forensic psychologists work with vulnerable community members to assess their physical and mental health risks. Through correctional and rehabilitation work, alongside research, they can help improve communities. Education also plays a vital role in improving communities. For instance, a forensic psychology degree online can let you get more advanced techniques to boost health and well-being on a large scale.
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Prevent Psychosomatic Issues
One of the most significant issues that psychologists tackle when addressing health is psychosomatic issues. Psychosomatic problems refer to health-related issues that arise because of mental problems instead of any organic cause, like an illness. Psychosomatic disorders are much more common than we may imagine and affect a large population. If you’ve ever been incredibly anxious and experienced bouts of nausea or an upset stomach, you’ve experienced psychosomatic problems too. These issues aren’t just limited to anxiety or gastrointestinal issues. Rather, they manifest in a variety of ways. Issues such as stress, depression, anxiety can cause respiratory problems, skin disorders, phantom pains, insomnia, hypertension, and more.
People suffering from psychosomatic issues understandably experience a drop in their well-being. Psychologists help people suffering from these problems by bringing to the fore the underlying issue – mental health. Treating the underlying problem can lead to the psychosomatic issues disappearing, thus helping psychologists promote better health.
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Conducting Research
Conducting research is a big part of any psychologist’s work, and this research can help pave the way for better health practices. One of the most critical areas of research is studying what motivates better health practices. By finding out what motivates people to live healthier, they can pave the way for creating better health policies. They can develop programs that inspire people to adopt better health practices. These programs can include discouraging smoking, encouraging exercise, healthy eating, and promoting better mental health. Over time, they can help people change their habits, playing a vital role in preventative healthcare.
Research can also involve investigating and addressing the inequalities in health policies and how they impact well-being. By addressing these questions, psychologists can promote better health practices for everyone.
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Study the Effects of Diseases
Health psychology doesn’t just involve studying the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of illness but also the effect of diseases on individuals. When we’re sick, we don’t just feel physically bad. Rather, we can feel low or stressed. Health anxiety is pervasive and can manifest in many populations. People who are terminally ill face immense challenges as they go about their lives. Without proper understanding, their health can worsen.
Even general illnesses can impair you significantly. You can find that your daily life comes to a halt, as you can’t work, go out, and have your self-reliance reduced significantly. As our self-esteem takes a hit, so can our body’s ability to heal faster from illnesses. Recent studies show a correlation between positivity and better health. Optimism can help boost your immune system and improve your response to various diseases. In assisting people to maintain better mental health, psychologists can help people heal faster, thus improving mental health.
Conclusion
Psychologists help bridge the gap between medical practitioners and the general public and help promote holistic well-being. They empathize with people at risk of developing health conditions or who are already suffering from them and help make recovery easier. Furthermore, they work with some of the most vulnerable populations and help them work towards a better, healthier lifestyle.
