Susan Drysdale, PhD

Stress-related Symptoms

We have all heard about the mind-body connection. We know that emotions are often linked with physiological symptoms. For example, acid reflux may get worse when we are upset. Neck pain may increase when we are pressed for time. Or irritable bowel symptoms may appear when we are angry.

There is no one-to-one correlation or straight line from one to the next. For each person, the connection operates differently, but we do know that the connection exists. In some cases, a particular ongoing emotional state can actually cause a physical problem. In other situations, a strong emotion can worsen symptoms that started through a disease process. And finally, strong feelings can result from a disease process (e.g. depression after long-term illness). This can lead to an ongoing cycle of more physical and emotional symptoms. Once the cycle begins, the question of what came first is irrelevant, since both the emotional and the physical symptoms must be treated. Let me help you begin the work of finding solutions.

The relationship between the mind and body is real but complicated. Physical symptoms may be related to depression, anxiety, bereavement, ongoing daily stress, chronic illness, or other medical problems.

Counseling can help you:

• understand how stress affects physical symptoms

• balance medical procedures and other life commitments

• take responsibility for symptom management

• maintain self-respect despite physical changes

Interventions work towards untangling personal webs of mind-body interactions. With this understanding, we can find the best treatment plan that will lead to relief. Treatments combine behavioral and cognitive modifications as well as the use of medication and other physical modalities when necessary.