Mind-Body Connection

The mind body connection and its effects on mental and physical health

The mind-body connection generally means that our mental health affects our physical health and the reverse is also true: the circumstance of our physical health affects our emotional well-being. Our mind-body relationship appears in many different ways. It can mean that we have trouble sleeping when we’re worried, sad, or stressed. Sometimes, if we’re hurt or injured, the pain is worse if we’re stressed. The reverse can also be true. If we’re sick or hurt, we might feel more irritable or angry, sad or worried.

How stress affects the mind body connection

Stress is a great example of how the mind-body connection affects our mental and physical health. Emotionally, when we’re stressed, we might feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or angry, depending on the situation. Physically, we might feel tired, “run down,” or have body aches. Sometimes, we may get sick. Did you ever get sick after a stressful event, like taking final exams in high school or college? You’re stressed for a couple of weeks; you may be tired but otherwise you feel fine. Then, when you’re done, you come down with a cold. This is a perfect example of the mind-body connection in action.

When you’re stressed, your body puts cortisol into your system. This actually helps you at first; cortisol kills certain cells in your immune system. “How does that help you?” you may be thinking. Well, when that process starts, the cortisol kills old, less effective immune cells. Your body then produces more, and the new immune cells are stronger and more effective, which gives your immune system a boost. You’re a little more healthy, for a while at least.

But, if the stress goes on for a while, then the cortisol starts to kill the younger stronger immune cells. That’s what starts to happen just before you’re done with that last final exam or that last paper, or the end of that big work project. So, when you’re done, your body can’t fight a cold virus, and you catch a cold!

Moving toward health and wholeness

Health and well-being involves resolving difficulties that are both physical and emotional in nature. They are intertwined and go hand in hand. If you treat one and not the other, the problem will not go away and may get worse – perhaps in ways you don’t expect. (Darn you, Mr. Headache!)

Physical symptoms and feelings are important clues we can use during our treatment journey. A psychologist with a health focus or health psychologist is aware of these linkages and can help you understand how they work together in your own life. Using psychodynamic and CBT psychotherapy (and possibly a psychological assessment if needed), my aim is to empower you, teach you about emotional health (most of us didn’t get this class in school!) and help you explore and resolve what’s bothering you or keeping you from enjoying your career, life and relationships.

If you are ready to learn more, contact me at 512-627-3583 to set up an initial appointment. Find out more about me, how I coordinate care and what to look for in a health psychologist.