Vinnie Cavallero

I created a short google form asking questions regarding the ways physical and mental health interact. The form was comprised of two questions, “In what ways do you think your physical health correlates with your mental health?” and “How do you feel your openness regarding your physical health differs from your openness with mental health?”

I sent the form to a few group chats. Many of my peers questioned the anonymity of the survey, and were quick to fill it out after finding that even I will not know how they respond. 

It was interesting to find that those who feel that, “Without being physically active, eating 3+ meals a day, and getting a good night’s sleep, my mental health declines,” (Interviewee 2), were much more open about their physical health and feared the stigma that floats around mental health. Where as those who believe that “When I’m not on top of being social, stress free, and mentally well, my physical health gets worse,” (Interviewee 1), are more often open about their mental health.

One Interviewee responded with, “Personally mental and physical health are equally important and neither takes priority. When one is in bad shape, the other is too. If I am not doing well physically my mental health is not either, and vice versa.” Contrary to what I expected, this person responded to the second question stating that they were not exactly comfortable with being open with either of the subjects. 

After thinking through my survey’s results, I came to the conclusion that society focuses much more on erasing the negative stigma around mental health. Which is great, but because it is less common we often forget that the same negative stigma exists around physical health as well.

Be active in ending the stigma, ask your friends how they are doing.