The Importance of Psychology in Healthcare.
The prefix psyche- was first concluded around 1917, defined as ‘mind’ with the suffix -ology redirecting into the study of something; the branch of knowledge. Combined, Psychology is the end product which means the study of the human mind. Not only does the human body have a physical state, but it also possesses an emotional state, think of it as two separate realms. One realm dictates physical matter, only being manipulated corporally; while the emotional state is controlled by non-material objects such as words or gestures. Psychology has a significant role in medical care due to its power to address mental and emotional aspects of health, as it can improve one’s outcomes by helping people manage stress as well as cope with chronic illnesses. Not to mention having low care in mental health can also take a toll on the human body's physical state. Therefore, having a psychologist labeled as a factor in the healthcare team can lead to more effective care for a patient.
Psychologists play various roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They can provide therapy to patients dealing with mental health issues. According to the American Psychologist Association, patients may talk to a psychologist because of being consumed by their negative emotions. These mental health experts can also bear pain management, support the emotional state of a patient going through a difficult medical treatment, and even help one cope with their loved one’s illness. Psychologists collaborate with other healthcare professionals in several ways. They often participate in multidisciplinary teams, with both hosts in the team sharing different aspects of a patient's health, they also consult with doctors and nurses about relieving stress or anxiety related to medical procedures, such as medication. The work of psychology also collaborates with the work of social workers to ensure a patient's care, addressing physical and mental needs.
Though mental and physical health have differences, the two realms are bound together. High levels of anxiety mentally lead to physical issues like headaches, high blood pressure, and or a weakened immune system. Mental health conditions can also impact how well someone manages a chronic illness, affecting their overall physical health. Having a strong mental persona can lead to healthy habits; it leads to healthier lifestyle choices, for example, exercise and a healthy balanced diet. These habits can also contribute to the amount of sleep the human body gets since sleep is significant and crucial to the physical health of one. As shown in studies, patients with a high level of stress or anxiety tend to have slower recovery time, which highlights the keen role of psychologists, not to mention one that who suffers greatly from depression has an increased risk of heart disease by 40%.
Ultimately, psychology plays a great role in healthcare due to its role in a medical atmosphere since it’s so heavily connected to the physical body.
References:
What Do Practicing Psychologists Do? American Psychology Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/about-psychologists
The Role Psychologist In Healthcare Delivery. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3410123/