Kendall Bumpers, Forward Times DTU Intern
Today, we talk about mental health in ways we never have before, and those conversations are shining a light on struggles that many have silently carried for generations. As the stigma around mental health begins to fade, it’s time we also acknowledge how it affects our physical well-being.
We may not always recognize it, but a distressed mind can take a toll on the body. According to the National Library of Medicine, “mental disorders, such as depression, may directly lead to physical illness by weakening and/or altering the immune response.” There’s also extensive evidence that stress can reduce immune function. In other words, mental health is not separate from physical health—they are deeply connected and impact one another in powerful ways.
This connection can sometimes show up as psychosomatic symptoms—real physical pain or discomfort caused by emotional or mental distress, even when no medical issue can be found.
In the Black community, there has long been a disconnect when it comes to prioritizing health, particularly because we haven’t always had the luxury of doing so. The mindset of “I’ll be okay” is what has kept many going, but it can also lead to neglecting our body’s needs. A powerful example of this can be found in the movie Soul Food, when Big Mama, the family matriarch living with diabetes, doesn’t realize her arm is on fire until her grandson tells her. She’s unaware of how unmanaged diabetes has damaged her nervous system. But beyond the medical explanation, there’s something deeper to explore: Why didn’t Big Mama prioritize her own health? Perhaps because, like many, she put others first and didn’t feel her own well-being was important.
Most of us have, at some point, ignored our own needs because they felt inconvenient. That kind of thinking can signal a disconnect between the mind and body.
The brain and body communicate through a process called interoception. According to the Yale School of Medicine, this connection is made through the vagus nerve, with specialized sensory neurons delivering messages between the body and brain. When chronic stress triggers hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, it can lead to real health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive problems, poor sleep, and weight gain (Mayo Clinic Staff). Over time, untreated mental health struggles can create unhealthy coping habits and increase physical strain.
If you’re having a hard time prioritizing your overall wellness, here are a few things to consider:
- Move your body – Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
- Eat mindfully – Fuel your body with a balanced diet.
- Stay connected – Social support is critical for emotional resilience.
- Get regular checkups – Screenings for both physical and mental health are essential.
- Listen to your gut – If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
Caring for your mental health is just as important as going to the doctor for your body. That includes reaching out for support, speaking with professionals, building routines, and leaning on the tools that help you feel grounded. For many, faith and community are a vital part of that equation.
Take Neveah B., for example. She lives with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), ADHD, and anxiety—all of which affect both her mind and body. Receiving a proper diagnosis allowed her to separate physical symptoms from mental ones, reducing self-doubt and helping her take control of her care. Neveah also found support through online communities of people with similar experiences. Her faith—through prayer and anointing—has played a huge role in helping her manage life with chronic illness. These resources combined have improved her overall well-being.
Neveah’s story reminds us that caring for your mental health is really about caring for your whole self—mind, body, and spirit. When we understand how deeply connected these parts of us are, we give ourselves the best chance to thrive. And that’s something everyone deserves.
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