Does Mental Health Affect Vein Disease?
Studies have illustrated that mental health struggles can not only affect your physical well-being, but they may even negatively impact the arteries in your body.
Did you realize that your physical and mental health are interrelated? Stress, depression, and anxiety can all have severe consequences on your well-being. Likewise, if you experience chronic pain from an issue such as varicose veins it is likely to affect both your mental and physical health adversely.
A 2013 study revealed that as chronic venous disease progresses, the patient’s mental health deteriorates along with their quality of life. However, taking care of your emotional well-being can help improve not only your physical condition but also your veins! With this in mind, it is important to prioritize both our physical and mental health for optimal well-being.
How does mental health affect your veins?
When the valves in your leg veins become too weak to effectively circulate blood back up to your heart, varicose veins and associated discomfort and swelling can form. This occurs when the stagnant blood accumulates within a vein, forcing it outward into unsightly lumpy veins visible on the skin of your legs or feet.
How do varicose veins relate to our mental wellness? To understand this, we must explore the implications of stress on our veins. Stress does not cause varicose veins; however, it can worsen already existing symptoms.
Stress can cause your blood pressure to spike, making it difficult for veins to pump blood back to the heart. This rising pressure forces the liquid into the vein walls, leading to swollen varicose veins and increasing the risk of swelling, skin changes, or sores that are slow to heal on the leg.
Furthermore, stress and depression can reduce your energy levels significantly. When you feel drained of strength, it’s likely that you won’t follow through with exercise plans or indulge in unhealthy eating habits as a way to make up for the loss of power. Inadequate nutrition combined with no physical activity leads to weight gain which causes extra pressure on veins - one of the primary risk factors for varicose veins.
Dejection can be particularly detrimental, especially when it discourages you from seeking help for physical and mental conditions. Luckily, there are numerous treatments available to address both your emotional well-being as well as chronic ailments like varicose veins that will have a positive impact on your overall health.
The best practices for sustaining vein health
Mental and physical health are intertwined, amplifying each other's effects. When either is lacking, it can be difficult to practice healthy habits such as eating nutritiously or playing sports regularly; however, these activities provide a great means for improving both your mind and body simultaneously! So why not start today by modifying some of your day-to-day tasks in order to boost the well-being of your mental and physical state?
Eat Right
Rather than binging on food full of fat and sodium, try consuming smaller portions of nutritious meals throughout the day to increase your metabolic rate and circulation. This coupled with regular exercise is proven to not only help you lose weight but also reduce strain on your veins. Eating healthily will make you look fantastic while simultaneously making it easier for blood vessels to do their job.
Exercise
Set aside time each day for physical activity. It doesn’t have to be a long, grueling trip to the gym- simply go for a pleasant 30-minute walk or ride your bicycle that works out your calf muscles and helps move blood through the veins in your legs. Additionally, exercising is an excellent way to manage stress!
Try Compression Stockings
Varicose veins can cause a great deal of both physical and mental distress. Fortunately, you can combat such discomfort by donning graduated compression stockings - snug elastic garments that gently squeeze the affected veins to encourage proper circulation. By wearing them on a regular basis, you will notice reduced swelling and pain in no time!
Give Yourself a Break
If the weight of work is bringing you down, take some time and distance yourself from it. Leave your stress at the office and make sure to relax when you are home. Why not try a new hobby or activity that can help alleviate any feelings of anxiety? One habit which might be helpful for this would be elevating your legs as it promotes circulation up towards the heart, reducing pain in that area along with helping swollen ankles! Not only will this bring calmness but it can also have beneficial physical effects too!
It’s natural to experience mild stress or sadness from time to time, but bouts of long- term depression and anxiety can be detrimental for your physical health. Unfortunate as it may be, many people who are struggling with mental illness do not seek help. If you notice that feelings of distress have started impeding on your daily activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who specializes in addressing such issues.
If varicose veins are taking a toll on your life, consulting with a vein specialist is the best way to go. They will assess your condition and suggest treatments that can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by these bothersome vessels. With their assistance, you may find yourself living more happily than ever before!
Use Elmore Medical for Vein Treatment
Elmore Medical Vein and Laser Treatment Center is the leading vein specialty medical
practice available in the Central Valley. Our team, led by Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his
staff of experienced professionals, is passionate about providing unparalleled service
that you won’t find elsewhere! Contact us today to learn more about our services and
how we can help you achieve your goals!
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.