Beverley Flint is Clinical Commercial Director at Private Clinical Therapy service HelloSelf; she also has a long history of working with the NHS, and is extremely passionate about mental and emotional wellbeing. Here, she shares her insight into the impact that physical illness can have on our mental health.

In your own experience, what impact have you seen physical illness have on people's mental health?

I’ve seen a range of responses and impacts to people’s mental health when their physical health worsens. I’ve worked with people who have generally never had to think about their mental health before, but when their physical health started to decline, their mental health also worsened. It’s well documented that the prevalence of anxiety and depression increases if someone is living with a long-term physical health condition.

It can also be harder for people to look after their general wellbeing if they’re not feeling well, strong, or what they consider ‘normal’. For example, if someone is low in energy, in pain, or generally feeling unwell, finding the energy and/or motivation to exercise or prepare a healthy meal can be tough. So a vicious cycle begins.

I’ve worked with many people who experienced a decline in their physical health that doesn’t have an obvious cause; I’m one of those people! I had years of tests and appointments and was told on more than one occasion that the problem may be with my mental health. My mental health was suffering, for sure, but that didn’t explain my extreme joint pain and fatigue. Years later, I’m under the care of a rheumatologist who believes me and isn’t try to fob me off! That has been very helpful.

What coping techniques can people put in place when their physical health is impacting their overall wellbeing?

Be kind to yourself – and I don’t say that flippantly! Whether you’re living with a short-term physical illness or a long-term (or chronic) condition, do what you can to nourish your body and mind. Avoid a ‘boom and bust’ approach to your activity levels; that is, if you’re having a good, or better, day and are tempted to get lots done, try to pace yourself. If you find that you do a lot in one day and then spend the next day or two recovering, space your activities out so that you don’t spend too much time having to build those energy levels back up again.

Take stock of your mental health. Has it changed? Mental health difficulties often creep up on us, particularly when our focus is on our physical health. If you are experiencing an increase in anxiety levels and/or a lowering of your mood, don’t just accept it as a ‘normal’ response to your physical health worsening. Remember that anxiety and depression are conditions that can be managed with the right support. Speak to your GP, or consider seeking some help from an expert.

Do you think that Covid, and particularly the effects of long-Covid, are going to change people's perceptions of mental and physical health being separate entities?

Mental and physical health have never been separate entities! Ask anyone who has ever been unwell, or any elite athlete! We are all biopsychosocial; that is, we are all biological, psychological, and social beings. Mental health is better understood in these terms, and highlights the complexity of how difficulties can develop, be maintained, be understood, and therefore treated.

Remember to do things you enjoy and/or get pleasure from. If you can’t do what you used to do, experiment with other activities. If you find that you’re not in the mood to speak to people, or meet for a coffee, ask yourself if it’s your physical health getting in the way or if it’s possibly your mood/anxiety levels. If you’re too tired or in too much pain, find an alternative way of connecting with others or doing activities, or rearrange. If it’s your mood or anxiety levels getting in the way, encourage yourself to go for that coffee, have someone over, or speak on the phone. You’re unlikely to regret doing so.

Physical symptoms can be really distressing – such as pain, breathlessness, and extreme fatigue. Seeking help from a specialist can help you develop some control over these symptoms. Also, remember that the symptoms of long-Covid may affect someone for a long time, and they can fluctuate. Be patient.

What advice would you give to employers when it comes to supporting the physical and mental health of their workforce?

Support employees in all aspects of their health and wellbeing. If someone needs to attend appointments, be flexible. If someone needs you to make reasonable adjustments to enable them to do their job, either temporarily or permanently, then do it. Seek help from experts if you don’t know how best to help.

Talent comes in all shapes, sizes, and levels of physical and mental wellbeing! We’re all different and we are all capable when enabled. Value and trust your workforce and you will benefit from their loyalty and talent.

What's your one nugget of wisdom when it comes to caring for your wellbeing?

Prioritise your wellbeing. No-one else can do that for you.