3 Ways A Psychologist Can Help Your Physical Health

10 January 2022
Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

Most people see a psychologist when they want to improve their mental health. However, there are some ways that a psychologist can help improve your physical health as well. Keep reading to find out how seeing a psychologist can help you with your physical health.

1. A Psychologist Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight, you increase your chances of having certain health risks. Some of these health risks include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Stroke
Cancer

Some people are able to shed unwanted pounds by cutting calories, increasing physical activity, or going on certain kinds of diet. If you have tried all of these methods but still cannot lose weight, you may want to see a psychologist.

A psychologist can help you to change your behavior so that you make better choices when eating. A psychologist can also help you stick to your weight loss goals and help you find ways to monitor your food intake. While losing weight starts with your mind, you will reap many physical benefits.

2. A Psychologist Can Help with Smoking Cessation

Smoking cigarettes is one of the unhealthiest habits you can have. Smoking increases your chances of experiencing the following kinds of health issues:

Lung cancer
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heart disease
Stroke
Tuberculosis

If you're like many smokers, you may have tried to cut back on how much you smoke. Or, you may have tried to quit cold turkey. If you are still smoking, a psychologist can offer the extra support you need to quit once and for all. A psychologist can also help you determine the reason you smoke. You might find you smoke more when you are feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed. A psychologist can help you find healthier coping skills, thus improving your chances of smoking cessation and becoming healthier overall.

3. A Psychologist Can Help Reduce Stress Levels

If you are feeling overwhelmed or you are not able to cope with the pressures in life, there is a good chance you have a lot of stress. Feeling stress for a prolonged period of time can lead to the following health issues:

Headache
Muscle tension
Chest pain
Upset stomach
Fatigue

If you are tired of having these kinds of stress-related health issues, you will benefit from seeing a psychologist. After the psychologist finds the source of your stress, they might recommend either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or group therapy. Once your stress levels begin to decrease, you will feel better in general.

About Me

Having a child on the autism spectrum poses all kinds of unique challenges that can sometimes be very difficult. The sensory issues that often accompany spectrum disorders can mean that even everyday things like taking vitamins may be a serious struggle. For my son, it's both texture and taste that pose challenges for him, which made finding a vitamin supplement very difficult. After experimenting with many different brands, styles, and flavors, I have found what does and doesn't work for various sensory issues that he has. I've created this site to share our experiences in the hopes that it might help other parents with kids on the spectrum to find a vitamin their child will take.