The body and mind are interconnected deeply. Anything that affects the mind can reflect in the form of physical illness and pain.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on July 10, 2020. It has since been updated.
Chronic pain can limit the functioning of our body and can make it difficult for us to function. However many of us link this pain to the improper functioning of our body. But what we need to remember is that our body is deeply connected to our mind. “Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues,” said Susanne Babbel, a psychologist who specializes in depression to Beliefnet. Our negative emotions can influence our body and cause stress and physical pain in different parts of our body. Therefore it is important for us to consider emotional pain as serious as physical pain. Here are five common feelings that can severely impact your health.
The feeling of guilt in an individual may be due to different reasons. They might be regretting their actions which were intentional or may be accidental. Keeping your guilt within yourself for a long time can take a toll on your physical health. This feeling of shame or guilt can manifest into physical ailments such as stomach pain, muscle tension, head pain, and insomnia. Addressing the guilt within is important to heal your body of your physical pain. "So for physical as well as mental health reasons, understanding the nature of shame and guilt and developing good, strong, effective coping skills is important," said psychologist Mary Tuner, Ph.D. to WebMD.
Sadness cannot be confused with depression. According to Verywell Mind, when people bury their painful experiences or emotions in their heart for a long time. They are prone to sadness. Your emotional pain may make you feel physically weak and drained out of energy. When this emotion is kept within for long, you may see the effects of it on your body. According to the Huffington Post, a study conducted by psychologists from Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Rochester found that suppressing emotions may increase the risk of dying from heart disease and even cancer.
Anxiety is a feeling that causes worry, nervousness, and fear. This feeling can keep you from doing your day to day activities. While most of us know the effects of anxiety on our mental health, many are unaware of the physical pain caused by it. According to Medical News Today, anxiety can lead to an increased risk of infections, cause digestive issues and even affect the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, urinary, and respiratory systems. Therefore it is important to get help as soon as you realize it.
Anger can be experienced by an individual for a variety of reasons. A person may be feeling that he or she is not appreciated enough or is not accepted the way they want to be. Some people also experience this emotion after being hurt by someone they love or respect. When this anger is not expressed, it gets internalized within and may manifest into a number of physical problems. Poor sleep, irritability, feeling on edge are all symptoms of someone with unexpressed anger.
Depression is a very serious mental health issue that makes a person feel sad and hopeless in life. A person suffering from depression usually shows symptoms such as mood swings, less sleep, low energy, and physical agitation. While most people think it is just a mental health issue, depression can cause many physical problems. Insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation and increased risk of diseases can all be caused by depression. Joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, and headaches can be the aftereffects of depression.
References:
https://www.verywellmind.com/physical-pain-and-emotional-pain-22421
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000417.htm
https://www.learning-mind.com/emotional-pain/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322395.php
https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/many-emotions-can-damage-heart#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-symptoms-of-stress
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/guilt
https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20010312/shame-on-you-self-blame-can-literally-make-you-sick#1
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/timi-gustafson/bottling-up-negative-emotions_b_5056433.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322510.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/pent-up-anger
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
