Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can help individuals manage and alleviate symptoms of a variety of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety. While many people expect to see mental and emotional benefits from psychotherapy, treatment is often accompanied by physical benefits as well. Below, we’ll go over a few of the common physical benefits that may come with continued psychotherapy sessions.
1. Better heart health. Anxiety and other mental health disorders can cause physical symptoms like elevated heart rate, irregular heartbeats, and high blood pressure or chest pain. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping mechanisms for your mental well-being that will also result in improved cardiovascular health as your physical symptoms abate along with the emotional or mental ones.
2. Improved immune system. Stress hormones like cortisol can raise your chances of developing heart disease and other illnesses. Developing ways to manage and alleviate your stress and anxiety can increase your immune function and allow you to live a healthier life. An additional benefit is that if your immune system is operating optimally, you’re less likely to take sick days or leave from work, which can help feed your recovery by alleviating work-related stressors.
3. Reduced chronic pain. Depression is known to cause chronic pain like backaches, headaches, muscle fatigue, and other physical symptoms. Psychotherapy can help you manage your depression and, in turn, reduce the physical symptoms that often accompany it. You may also find that you have more energy and are able to participate in physical exercises that can help reduce chronic pain, such as yoga.