Stress Management For Life

Chapter 4
The Mind/Body Connection

The Mind/Body Connection

A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world. - John Locke, philosopher, 1693 what is going on in your mind determines what is happening in your body

Psychological Health
encompasses both emotional and mental health awareness and control of thoughts and feelings stress starts with a single thought

Role of Chronic Stress in Disease

chronic stress may result from:
1. 2.

many repeated bouts of acute stress life conditions (ex. difficult job situation)

chronic stress leads to continued activation of the stress response

direct effects
physiological changes in the body

Cardiovascular and immune system

indirect effects
change in behavior and lifestyle habits

Alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, etc.

Medium-Term Chronic Stress

Some effects include: muscle tension

Long-Term Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress impairs immune system functioning may cause premature aging initiates many diseases and medical conditions ranging from obesity to ulcers Stress and the Heart
cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US relationship exists between stress and cardiovascular disease

Impact on the Immune System immunosuppression

pain or headaches fatigue

upset stomach difficulty sleeping bruxism heart palpitations increased blood pressure concentration problems depression

increased susceptibility to disease and illness unable to work effectively when stressed

Lifestyle choices associated with stress Effects of cortisol on heart Fight or flight physical changes that affect vascular and coronary systems

How the Mind and Body Communicate

attitudes, thoughts and emotions impact health improved health may result from 1. awareness of thoughts and emotions that contribute to stress 2. conscious effort to control and change those factors

The Mind-Body Connection

psychosomatic illness conditions that have a mind and body component placebo effect created by a persons belief that they will benefit from an intervention nocebo effect causation of sickness and death by expectations of negative outcomes

The Mind-Body Connection

psychoneuroimmunology complex communication between the nervous system, the mind, and the immune system and their implications for health
Death of loved one can impair immunity Increased stress & the common cold Cortisol levels & survival time with breast cancer

Blaming the Victim

the mentality that disease is the victims fault is not a productive approach to health some diseases are inevitable thoughts and emotions determine the quality of life