Health and Emotions
"It just worried me sick." "It ate through me like a cancer." "It cut me like a knife." "It's killing me."
These are expressions we use that hint at the mind/body connection.
Have you ever wondered if there is any basis for these sayings? Can our thoughts and feelings actually influence our health? Can the death of a spouse, unemployment, or other environmental situations cause problems for the immune system?
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is telling us yes, our emotions can affect our immune system, causing illness.
PNI is a multidisciplinary field, involving psychologists, neuroscientists, and immunologists. It looks at the scientific data on the interaction of the nervous and immune systems, as well as the impact of behavior and psychological functioning. In short, PNI is based on "we are what we think."
Human beings are the only creatures on earth who can change their biology by what they think or feel. According to research, exposure to stressful life experiences is associated with changes in the immune system.
More than 10 years of research has demonstrated the relationship between psychological stress and illness. Viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, heart disease, and HIV-related illness have all been linked to immune system changes associated with stressful events and psychological responses.
For example, immunological changes have been observed in response to major life change events, such as a marital separation, the death of a loved one, caring for a sick spouse, suffering from chronic stress, and being unemployed.
People with chronic stress are prone to acute infectious respiratory illness, heart and liver disease, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, backaches, and joint problems. In fact, a recent study done at UCLA showed that 90 percent of illness had an emotional root.
Rewards of Illness
Experts have noticed that illness has many positive rewards. Ever notice when someone becomes sick they receive cards, flowers, and gifts? Often, people who are ill gain praise from family and loved ones.
In fact, sickness gives us permission to do things we would not do otherwise. It makes it easier to say no to unwelcome people, burdens, and job demands. Not feeling well allows us to take time to rest, stay in bed, meditate, and reflect. It gives us permission to relax.
It also gives us permission to be loved, because we often get a great amount of emotional support when we are sick.
Boosting Immunity
Most research thusfar shows that the immune system and the mind are indeed connected. People really can be "worried sick," or can be psychologically "eaten up" as if by a cancer. Physical and psychological medical fields should integrate to ensure the best possible care.
By attempting to stay healthy, learning to give yourself permission to take time out for yourself, and building up your immune system, you can get a head start on preventing illness and disease.
