Why does the public often have a different view of mental illness than physical illness?
Traditionally, the medical model has separated mental and physical health. But this fails to take account of the strong links between the mind and body. Research shows that physical health is directly connected to emotional health, and millions of Americans know that suffering from a mental health disorder can be as frightening and debilitating as any major physical health disorder. Poor mental health has implications for physical health – for example, research has shown that people with depression are at greater risk for developing heart disease, and conversely, that people with heart disease are more likely to suffer from depression than others. Integrated health care – care that treats both the mind and body – is the key to breaking down stigma and providing the best care. Many psychologists already work in primary care settings with physicians and other health care professionals, often serving as members of multidisciplinary treatment teams and taking the lead when a patient has a
