What does holistic nursing recognize about mental and physical health?

Holistic nursing fundamentally acknowledges that mental and physical health are interrelated and significantly influence one another. This recognition is based on the understanding that a patient's emotional, psychological, and social well-being can impact their physical health, and vice versa. For example, stress and anxiety are known to contribute to physical ailments, while chronic physical conditions can lead to mental health challenges such as depression.

In holistic nursing, care is approached from a comprehensive perspective that seeks to address the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms. This means considering factors such as lifestyle, environment, and emotional state, which can all have profound effects on overall health and healing. By recognizing this interrelationship, holistic nurses can develop more effective treatment plans that encompass both mental and physical health strategies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.