Mental health and physical health are closely interconnected. Any issues related to one of them can affect the other, and the changes in one can also lead to the changes in the other.

Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, can have a significant impact on physical health. People with depression, anxiety or any other mental illness are also more likely to develop physical health problems, including increased body temperature, which can become a serious health issue if left untreated.

What is body temperature?

Body temperature is a key indicator of an individual’s overall health. It is the internal temperature of the body and is regulated by the hypothalamus, which acts as a thermostat.

Normal body temperature ranges between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, with variations dependent on time of the day, activity, and individual differences. However, any significant deviation from this range indicates a potential health issue that needs to be addressed.

How does mental health affect body temperature?

Studies have suggested that there is a close relationship between mental health and body temperature, with people experiencing mental health disorders being more prone to experiencing temperature changes.

Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with increased body temperature, while bipolar disorder is linked with fluctuations that go from low to high temperature states.

Depression and Body Temperature

Research has found that people with depression tend to have higher body temperatures compared to individuals who do not experience depression.

This increase in body temperature may be attributed to the activation of the body’s stress response system, which is typical in individuals experiencing depression. The overactivation of this system contributes to a rise in body temperature, which can become chronic and lead to long-term health problems if not managed.

Anxiety and body temperature

Anxiety is another mental health disorder that can lead to an increase in body temperature. Anxiety triggers the body’s fight or flight response mechanism, and this can lead to a spike in body temperature.

When anxious, the body also releases cortisol, a stress hormone that is linked to increasing body temperature. Frequent episodes of anxiety can lead to chronic stress, which can further elevate body temperature, a factor that can cause damage to various organs in the body if not addressed in time.

Bipolar Disorder and Body Temperature

Bipolar disorder is another mental illness that can lead to fluctuations in body temperature. Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience a change in body temperature from very high to very low.

This can be attributed to the changes in mood that they experience, with mania triggering an increased body temperature, while depression leading to a decrease in body temperature.

Effect of High Body Temperature on Physical Health

High body temperature can lead to several health problems that can be life-threatening if not managed.

Some of the notable issues associated with high body temperature include dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, seizures, and damage to the brain, kidneys, and liver. It can also affect the normal functioning of various organs, leading to complications such as muscle damage, blood clots, and cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Management of Temperature Changes

Managing temperature changes in individuals experiencing mental health disorders is crucial to prevent potential complications. The first step towards managing temperature changes is the diagnosis of the underlying cause.

This can be done through proper medical assessment and evaluation of the individual’s symptoms. Once diagnosed, the physician can recommend appropriate medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes to manage the condition and prevent temperature fluctuations.

Learning stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation, can also help reduce anxiety and, in turn, control the rise in body temperature.

Conclusion

The close relationship between mental health and physical health highlights the need for holistic care approach when treating mental health illnesses.

Studies have found that changes in mental health, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, can lead to temperature fluctuations that can cause severe health issues. As such, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the temperature changes and adopt appropriate management strategies that will help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.