Does anyone else ignore physical health when their mental health is low?

[Guest_10343]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a discussion about the link between our mental state and looking after our physical bodies.

I’ve noticed a pattern in myself: when my anxiety/depression flares up, I completely stop dealing with basic physical health. I’ll ignore a nagging cough, put off getting a blood test, or let a script run out simply because the logistics of "being a patient" feel overwhelming.

It’s like a vicious cycle, I feel physically average, which makes my mood worse, but I don’t have the mental energy to go sit in a GP waiting room for 45 minutes to fix it. It feels like climbing a mountain just to leave the house.

I actually managed to break the cycle yesterday for a minor issue I've been ignoring for weeks. I didn't have it in me to go to my local clinic, so I just used hola after hour service to get it sorted from the couch in the evening. Honestly, just bypassing the "receptionist small talk" and the sensory overload of the waiting room made me feel so much more in control. It’s a small win, but it felt good to actually tick a health box without spiraling.

Does anyone else struggle with this specific type of avoidance? How do you force yourself to pay attention to your physical health when your brain is telling you to just hide away?

I’d love to hear if you have any "low energy" hacks for staying on top of this stuff.

[melodica]

Hello,

I have experienced what you are describing and I know how hard it can be to break that cycle. What has helped me most is building steady routines. I put all my regular appointments straight into my calendar so there is less room to avoid them.

If I get sick before something important, that is when it becomes harder. In those moments I often rely on someone I trust to suggest small, practical steps that will help me move forward.

I also think about my dog and the fact that she depends on me. Looking after her reminds me that I need to look after myself as well. This is still a work in progress for me, so you are not alone in it.

[Psychdiaries2]

Hi there, 

I’m so glad you’re here, thank you for sharing!

Yes, I agree it can be hard to prioritise your physical health when you’re struggling with your mental health. In my experience, putting off appointments have found only makes matters worse as your symptoms usually go south. I would recommend having someone in your life to keep you accountable. For example, talk to someone you trust about your symptoms and give them a life update, and then they can urge you to make an appointment and keep checking in with you. 

I would also suggest speaking to a counsellor or psychologist to help you prioritise your mental health as it is equally important as your physical. There are loads of free counselling services online like here on Beyond Blue with the phone service, there’s also Lifeline and KidsHelpline which provide similar services so please check them out. 

Take care of yourself today. Sending warm wishes!