Normal homeostasis, the optimal balance of hormones, immunity, and nervous system functioning, protects us from the many threats to health we encounter daily. Disrupted emotional responses, feeling "out of control", leads to disrupted homeostasis.
Emotionally induced shifts in hormones can lead to chronic disease, such as high blood pressure. When a person is aggressive and anxious, for example too much norepinephrine are secreted, even at rest. the arteries thicken, and the excess hormones cause blood vessel muscles to constrict. The gradual rise in blood pressure can result in hypertension, stroke or heart failure.
In a national survey of adult black Americans, those who had many and intense emotional problems were more likely to have physical illness too, even after controlling for socioeconomic level and other factors. Those who had emotional upsets were much more likely to have ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, kidney problems, nervous system malfunctions, and circuratory system difficulties.
One fourth of gastroenterology patients have major depression.
One scientific study reported in the Medical Journal of Australia tested what would happen when irritable bowel syndrome patients received psychotherapy instead of conventional medical treatment. After receiving counselling for their emotional upsets, 89% less constipation, 92% less nauseated, and 81% had less vomiting.
Studies have confirmed that the inability to express emotions is an even greater cause of disease. Women have been culturally taught to keep negative emotions within the family, and to keep anger suppressed. (I agree with this). Patients must be encouraged to express all their angers, resentment, hatred, and fears.
No comments:
Post a Comment