Certainly, we have all heard of the mind-body connection. Basically, when we talk about this dynamic relationship, we are talking about the effect of the mind on the body and the effect of the body on the mind. is reciprocal Some connections are easily understood, such as the effect stress has on the digestive system. Unbridled stress can lead to digestive conditions like nausea, ulcers, and even gastric esophageal reflux.
Migraines may be another area where the mind-body connection is easily observed. In these examples, for many people, untreated stress can easily be understood as a cause of physical discomfort that can be treated medically. In order to live in a balanced state of well-being, we need to be aware of the inner workings of our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, and how connected they really are. This is something I call the “Mind-Body-Faith Phenomenon,” and I’ll be expounding on that concept in future articles as we look at how hope, the precursor to faith, affects the mind-body connection.
On the other side of the mind-body coin, where physical manifestations may occur first, followed by mental health issues, we see the opposite. Physical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, heart and respiratory conditions, brain tumors, and some neurological and autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, can be the catalysts that lead a person to a state of acute clinical depression or chronic depression, anxiety, insomnia, other medical conditions, or disability.
To prevent this from happening, we must first try to understand what helps and what hinders our own personal processes of mind, body, and spirit in reaching and maintaining a state of homeostasis or well-being. We need to carefully monitor our own stress level, to recognize when stress reduction is necessary and when we can live life to the fullest.
When there is a disruption in the mind sector of the mind-body connection, it is not difficult to see how easy it is to recognize the symptoms of depression, nervousness, anxiety, physical pain, discomfort, and insomnia. Stressful emotions can be so powerful, in fact, that they can disrupt every part of a person’s life, leaving them in physical pain, unable to work, parent, build successful relationships, or even sleep at night.
Until we begin to recognize the signs and symptoms of mind-body stress present in our thinking, behavior, and physical being, we will not be able to correct them. The best possible scenario is to find the symptoms of stress as soon as they occur and make the necessary adjustments to relieve unnecessary stress. By doing so, we can significantly decrease the possibility of mind-body dysfunction and, subsequently, depression, illness, and continued disability.
Adele M Gill | Copyright 2016
