Health & Fitness
Mind Affecting Body - Dr. Stanley Mathew
Dr. Stanley Mathew, a physiatrist based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, talks about how your mind can affect your body and overall health.
Our mind and body are directly linked to one another. Over the last few years, health professionals have completed studies about how our mind affects our bodies. You have probably recently experienced some ways that your thoughts affect the way your body acts. If you have ever been nervous for an interview or a first date you may have experienced similar symptoms. Sweaty hands and an increased heart rate are two common symptoms for nerve-racking scenarios. Your overall mental health is directly linked to your physical well being. This article we will take a closer look at just how your mind can affect your body.
Psychosomatic Pain
Psychosomatic pain is a term that comes along with some controversy. Some health professionals stay away from using the term psychosomatic pain, thinking that the mind and body are separate areas of study. Continuous evidence in the field of mental health gives the term psychosomatic pain more relevance every year. Psychosomatic pain refers to pain caused by an emotional or mental state. An example would be if you suffered from severe anxiety that it could potentially lead to depression or even chronic pain throughout the body. A radical shift in your personal life could result in medical attention if the symptoms of your mental state caused too much harm. Dr. John Sarno was a leading health professional who stated: “the brain actually induces physical changes in the body for the purpose of preventing the conscious brain from becoming aware of unconscious feelings like rage or other emotional pain.”
What To Do
If you are suffering from stress and anxiety, it may seem hopeless trying to find relief. Although, there are steps that you can take to help alleviate stress and help yourself feel better. One of the first things you should do is try to find what triggers your stress or anxiety. Find ways to avoid situations where your anxiety peaks or if you can’t avoid them, look into strategies to help deal with them. Meditation and frequent exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and help feel better about yourself. Exercising regularly rewards both your mind and body! Another way to help is to develop healthy eating habits. What you eat directly affects the way your body and mind. Dealing with this kind of pain may require life changes to help alleviate the symptoms and live a happier, healthier life.
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AboutTheAuthor: Since 2009 Dr. Mathew has been a member of St. Luke’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) medical team. Throughout his career, Dr. Mathew has focused on pain management, spasticity management, and spine and musculoskeletal medicine among other areas of medicine.
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