The word psychosomatic relates to the connection that the mind and body and body and mind have on each other. Psychosomatic illness recognises that physical and nutritional stress have a direct effect on our mental health and that mental and emotional stress causes many physical illnesses including headaches, migraines, eczema, IBS, infertility and chronic pain.

Examples of the psychosomatic connection are when a thought, image, sound, taste, smell or touch trigger a positive or negative physical responses i.e. a churning in the stomach, a headache or a smile. Other examples are when an appropriate amount of exercise, sleep and a healthy diet support us with energy and improved mood or too much or too little exercise and sleep and a diet high in sugar and junk food lead to memory problems, lethargy, ADHD, aggression and hormonal issues.

Everyone experiences the psychosomatic connection those who are tuned into it may describe it as their sixth sense or gut intuition which helps them to maintain health and wellbeing, others may not be aware of it or may chose to ignore it.

Stress is held in the head, shoulders and other tissues of the body. Physical, nutritional, mental and emotional stresses have an accumulative effect and each person will have a unique tolerance. This is why a person may seem to be coping through years of stress or trauma and then a small stressful situation becomes to much for them to handle and lead to skin conditions, chronic pain, insomnia, emotional breakdown, anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, panic attacks or other conditions as mentioned above.

Living in the 21st century is very stressful. Most people are working, volunteering, or caring for family and juggling other commitments. If on top of this stress you have experienced a traumatic experience in your childhood, relationship, at work or due to a physical illnesses, childbirth or accident your priority may be focused on coping day to day.

The natural response is to try and bury emotions and memories in a place out of reach, doing your best to blank past events from your mind. It is normal that you feel you need to financially prioritise the needs of others before yourself or the idea of talking about or dragging up old experiences is putting you off getting help.

However unless you prioritise yourself and include stress reducing activities into your life your ability to have fun and care for those you who are important to you will be reduced, it will also compromise your immune systems ability to fight infection and illness.

Three activities that will help you reduce daily stresses are

•  Go for a 40-60 min walk everyday,

•  Eat a healthy diet

•  Get enough sleep

If you have experienced prolonged stress or trauma then you may need support to reset your stress response and recover from psychosomatic illness. If the fear of retelling your story to others is stopping you from getting help. I want you to know It is possible to recover from trauma without disclosing the details of past events. With support it is possible to think about past events free of emotional charge and it is possible to recover from stress and psychosomatic illness.

Amanda Roe is a trauma therapist and mind coach. She uses a range of holistic therapies to help you to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. To book a FREE 15 min Consultation with Amanda click here.