02/14/2024
Often within our healthcare system, the mind and body are viewed as two separate entities. When we separate physical and mental health services, we overlook the fact that our mind and body are intertwined, continuously relying on and affecting one other.
This is empirically supported and exemplified in the observation of chronic psychological stress and trauma on the body. Individuals who are under chronic stress are at a higher chance of developing issues with digestion, sleep, concentration, headaches, pain, immune processes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. In turn, these physical symptoms increase feelings of frustration and stress, and decrease feelings of patience and satisfaction.
In order to find the most relevant and effective coping skills, one must learn how to accurately acknowledge and identify their own thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This can be challenging to learn and to practice, as we are constantly processing a large amount of information and sensations every day.
ECW’s approach to treatment places an emphasis on the importance of this connection within one’s self. Our process focuses on supporting our client’s so they can learn how to reconnect and identify internal experiences to build resilience and re-establish a healthy mind-body relationship.
To read more about the connection between one’s mind and body, check out this article posted by Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-stories-we-tell/202402/for-valentines-day-learn-your-mind-bodys-love-language
