The Connection Between Brain Health and Mental Health

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, controlling decisions, memories, movement, speech, sensation, and countless other crucial functions. Our brains have the power to influence virtually every aspect of our health, which is why brain health, described as the maintenance of optimal brain integrity and function, is crucial to our overall health. Although they are often discussed separately, mental health, which includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, is an essential part of brain health.  

Our brain is responsible for processing our thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and emotions, which is why it's becoming increasingly important to discuss mental health in the context of brain health. Prioritizing brain health has direct mental health benefits, as a healthy brain enables us to cope with stress and live a meaningful life. On the other hand, a damaged brain can lead to a decline in mental health. Many mental illnesses can be traced back to dysfunction or misregulation in a specific part of the brain. For instance, the amygdala, the body’s emotional processing center, along with the hippocampus and hypothalamus, are believed to play a key role in the development of anxiety. Similarly, certain treatments for mental illness are believed to be effective because they help correct chemical imbalances within certain regions of the brain. For instance, although more research is needed to fully understand the specific underlying mechanisms, current treatments for depression, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and antidepressants, likely work by restoring a healthy balance of neurotransmitters in areas like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. 

Understanding the connection between brain health and mental health can help us understand why disruptions to the brain can result in mental illness. For example, an inflamed brain with blood flow problems is more susceptible to anxiety and mood disorders than a brain in a person who supports blood flow with exercise and limits inflammation by practicing yoga and consuming a balanced diet. Similarly, an individual with a history of sports concussion and alcoholism is at a greater risk for memory loss than someone who has never engaged in contact sports and steers clear of substances, including alcohol and marijuana. An awareness of these risk factors empowers us to take initiative and proactively care for our mental well-being.

Additionally, recognizing the physical and chemical causes of mental illness can aid in reducing stigma and promote early intervention. Untreated mental illness can leave a lasting impact on overall brain health, meaning the longer the issue goes untreated, the more damage it can do. Once you recognize the cause of a mental illness, take active steps to heal your brain, and your mind will follow suit. Check out our weekly Brain Health Tips to learn about easy, but effective, ways to promote your own brain health.