Can emotions make us physically ill?

@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
August 17, 2009 5:42pm CST
Is there a link between emotional stress and physical illness? It seems that most people think so and I would have to agree. Unfortunately, there are still those who try to cure the physical while paying little attention to the emotional problems that are the root cause. Why do you think this is so? Is it because many people refuse to admit that their emotions are the problem?
8 people like this
21 responses
• Philippines
19 Aug 09
I believe there is indeed a connection between our emotions and our physical well being. A lot of physical ailments spring from anxiety, stress, and depression. I know people who have stress-triggered migraine headaches. I believe heart ailments, hypertension, cancer, immune system disorders, asthma, ulcers and digestive disorders are stress-related illnesses. I have noticed that my rheumatoid arthritis flares up whenever I am going through a lot of stress.
3 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi blungel,Thank you for commenting and I feel certain that you are right. Too often doctors treat the symptoms instead of searching for the root cause. Blessings.
2 people like this
• Malaysia
18 Aug 09
Emotions and stress are inter-related. Emotions can reduce stress and it too can contribute to stress. One must not under estimate the damage stress can bring. Many ilnesses and diseases can be brought about by stress alone, it can also kill. Relaxation, Yoga or meditation are in general good ways to bring down stress rather than taking medicines which has it's side effects. If you can control your emotions, you can control stress and live better and healthier.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi kl_blueknight, Thank you for responding and those are my thoughts exactly. The things that you mention are much better than any medicines. Blessings.
2 people like this
• Canada
24 Aug 09
Emotion itsself can not make us ill, it's when we let it get out of control, and it turns into hysteria, that we become ill, or end up hurting eachother. when I express anger, I turn it into something productive, and when I am frustrated I cry for a few minutes, and then like anger, I go out and do something about it to make the situation better.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
24 Aug 09
Hi danishcanadian, Thank you your interesting ideas about the subject. Blessings.
@djoyce71 (2511)
• Philippines
17 Aug 09
Hello sir. Someone sent me a text message the other day that said, "Specific emotions weaken organs in the body. Anger weakens the liver, Grief weakens the lungs, Worry weakens the stomach, and Fear weakens the kidney." I believe so.
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi djoyce,Thanks for your comment. Blessings.
• United States
17 Aug 09
Emotions are the cause of alot of problems, just some people don't know how to deal with their own emotions. The refuse to acknowledge that they are emotionally ill, therefore physically ill. I've seen a lot of people like this. Sometimes I even get this way. Emotional problems can drain your energy, and make you feel as if you have no will to do anything. It happens. Usually you can confront whatever is causing these emotinal problems. Sometimes, though, you can't. They are just thoughts, things that 'Could' happen. It's best to shove these thoughts and feeling aside. They are only remotely possible most of the time. More like a 'What If' scenario. Alot of emotional problems spawn between people, though, especially friends. These things are usually trivial and have no value. It's a moment thing. Usually things like these last a day, or until both or one of the friends realize it was completely stupid in the first place. Rarely do people fight and argue over things that actually matter anymore. Relationship-Wise emotions are alot different. There are ups, and downs, and placid emotions. I guess it depends on what things are going on at the time. Like any relationship, most arguements are stupid and pointless, and even though we know this... It happens anyway. Another 'in the moment' thing. Usually never lasts more than a day. Some instances, though, are bad. Like cheating and things like that which are very important emotion wise, because they can screw everything up -- Not just your current relationship. They make you feel worthless, and in turn can hurt future relationships. Also, this brings up 'What if' scenarios. 'What if my next partner does it'. Things like that. It can ruin your life. It's very important to manage your emotions.
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi fluffyDoomKitten, Thank you for commenting. I think that we have to treat the whole person because, you may cure the physical element, but until yo remove the cause it will only come back. Blessings
@gerl2723 (68)
• Ireland
18 Aug 09
Emotion is very hard to control. I used to suffer about it before and keep thinking about worst. Then in the end I realized I have to fight for it not only preventing being mentally ill but as well to keep focus on my career and relationship. Be optimistic,
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi gerl, Thank you for your comment and you are right, we must remain optimistic. Blessings.
2 people like this
@metschica25 (5399)
• United States
18 Aug 09
Hello, I do think stress can make us feel ill or run down . Being stressed just makes your body so sleepy and you don't wanna do anything . It pays a toll all the tears a person cries. You know if you worry too much about something for some people it makes you feel sick in your tummy and your head can start to hurt. I know all about stress headaches and all .
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi metschica, Thank you for commenting and we agree. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
18 Aug 09
Boy can they ever make you sick. Many studies have confirmed this. One thing that can really help is Tapping, this releases locked up emotionally energy. It's scientific that releasing this will help, the Chinese have been using this for 100's of years, maybe even 1000's of years. Visit tapping.com and view the video, it's free and it works.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi savypat, Thanks for this, I agree that emotions can make one sick. Blessings.
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
18 Aug 09
Oh yes Pose when I feel stress or pressured my BP rose up...When I get tired or irritated I feel sick. Maybe that's getting old but I'm learning how to get relaxed and being cool.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi bing, You are getting older, but certainly not old. Learning to relax is a good idea and you can find some resources on the Interest. Thanks for your comment. Blessings.
• India
18 Aug 09
There is a great relation between our emotional problem and physical ill health. Emotional problem leads to stress and strain which in turn leads to physical sickness. I have stones in my gall bladder which was diagnosed after i had pain in my stomach. Later when i went to the doctor for check up he said the cause is due to the stress and strain i have. The pain and the problem will be reduced when you relax mentally and also physical rest. Here i am with the proof that emotions are the root cause for the physical ill health. As you say there are many who disagree with me in this regard. Happy mylotting.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi bewitched, I agree with you completely and have known many people in similar situations. I find that breathing exercises and meditation can often work wonders when dealing with stress. Thanks for your comment. Blessings
• United States
18 Aug 09
i would have they say that they sure can! After I had both my children, I had such severe post partum that I had a hard time waking up in the morning, I just couldn't move and I would always feel insanely sick and would get headaches, just because of the mounting depression of having children (the post partum, which sucked). I know other people that say their muscles ache and actually hurt and they are just very upset and depressed most of the time. So like I said, I think this is definitely true.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi hmfryklund, Thank you for commenting and I agree. Blessings.
@dbabcook (388)
• United States
18 Aug 09
I definately agree with the fact that emotions can make you physically ill. I have personally experienced such a thing and unfortunately unless you get yourself completely tuned this will happen time and time again.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi dbabcook, Thanks for your comment and I agree. Blessings.
@kevinll (967)
• China
18 Aug 09
It is true. When you have a good emotion you can do everything easily. But if you have a bad emotion you can not do it correctly. And you will effect someone who surround with you. You illness is related with your emotion,too.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi kevinll, We agree and thanks for commenting. Blessings.
• United States
18 Aug 09
I definitely think there is a link. Personally, when I get real nervous I get sick to my stomach and just feel out of it. They say the mind controls the body so I'm sure there is a link.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi ncesario, Thank you for commenting and we agree. Blessings.
• United States
17 Aug 09
There is a definite link between emotional stress and physical illness. * There is also the genetic factor to consider in human health. If your mother and father have a tendency for heart disease or cancer, you are very likely to get heart disease or cancer, even if you are the biggest cockeyed optimist in the country who is a vegan who doesn't so much as step on the same block as a chicken egg. * The environment is also having an effect on your health. If a poison leaches into your water supply your going to get sick regardless of your personal habits, your outlook, or family history. Poison environments can kill a cockeyed optimist with a family history of octogenarians. * Health is a trifecta or trio of factors.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Aug 09
Hi CraftyCorner, Very well said my friend and I agree. Thanks for those thoughts. Blessings.
@smart44 (510)
• Philippines
18 Aug 09
Yes emotions can makes us physically ill. if you suffered from emotional disturbances of course your physical ability does not functioning well.There are many causes of emotional disturbances. So when we are emotionaly disturb some parts of the body are not functioning well that cause illness.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi smart, Thank you for you comment and I agree. Blessings.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
17 Aug 09
hi pose I am so angry right now that I am shaking after having read so many mylotters wanting us not to help the uninsured people let the churches help with the donations,let medicare and medicaid help. the idiots dont evenknow'or care mahybe that most of the uninsured are not old enough to qualify for 'medicare or medicare, what is with people.myson who is fifty 'is out of work and has no insurance, cannot afford the inflated costs, he did not ask to be laid off, or to not get a job in months and months,he is not old enough yet to qualify for medicare,in other words half of this country is insured and does not give a tinkers damn what happens to the rest of this country.I suppose they think the rest should all be put in prison or taken out and shot down like dogs.ggggrrr. I am furious. how can good americans be so stupid and so callous?yes emotions make me sick, my tummy is in knots and I want tocry over all the stuff I have read on mylot today.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Aug 09
Hi Hatley, I'm so sorry about all of this and you are certainly proof of what we are talking about right here. I cannot understand those who oppose help for uninsured people. I live in Canada where we have a good medicare plan that works for all. I'm not saying that it's perfect, there are things that need to be fixed but it so much better than none at all and it's for everyone, rich or poor, working or not working. I cannot imagine not having it. I think that you need to calm down a little however or you may get physically ill yourself and end up in hospital. This I'm sure would only cause more stress for your son. I guess no age is good to be out of work, but fifty or older has to be really tough as so many companies are looking for younger people. Tell him not to give up hope though, there is something out there with his name on it. I wish you well in getting a good medical plan that will help people who really need it. Blessings.
@jlamela (4898)
• Philippines
17 Aug 09
Yes, you are definitely true. When we suffer emotional stress or there's something bothering us, our physical self will easily give in, we become ill with no apparent reason and some of our daily activities are greatly affected, it makes us lazy and easily get tired too, our physical body is somewhat super weak and it seems we have a flu that there's unexplainable ache all over the body. The common mistake is that, we have to find cure for flu or some remedies to heal our physical body, but then we tend to forget that it is only the result of what we are currently feeling. Emotions is so strong that it greatly affected our actions and strength, so it must be cured first. Recently, I am undergoing this stressful emotion that I find my day in the office super boring and tiring and my body seems giving in. I am completely aware that all my physical responses are the result of my emotional trouble, so what I did, I processed first my emotion by finding out what causes the stress. It was my emotional trouble with a special person whom I regarded as my "soul mate" but unfortunately he seems not interested with the idea of "ending up together", so to release my anxieties and burden, I decided to write him a long long letter that it seems, he took eternity to read.LOL! I really prepared myself to endure his terrifying judgment but I didn't mind so as long as I can released my tension and cure my physical "illness" that really affected my daily activities. Though he did not tell me how he feels about my letter, I know he read it and aware what's going on with us. Right now he is super nice to me and all my emotional trouble finally fade and created different radiance in my personality that I have a new physical glow right now. So if there's something bothering you, act now before it consumed all your physical strength, don't be afraid to express your emotion because some of our fears actually did not happens (according to Mark Twain) or never happens. Take the Risk, it is one of the greatest solutions in life when everything seems hopeless.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Aug 09
Hi jlamela, Thank you for taking the time to come here and explain things so well. I have no doubt but that you are right and we must treat the whole person, not just the physical. Blessings.
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
17 Aug 09
Emotions and stress can definitely make you physically sick. I believe it happens because it affect our neurological system which in turn makes us ill. I know when I'm stressed I lose weight. Last year I was working for family and ended up getting so sick from the stress that I lost 14 lbs. Mind you I have worked in New York City for 32 years with out a problem that would get me that sick. So yes stress and especially emotional stress I believe can kill you if you have to deal with it a long time let alone get you physcally ill.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Aug 09
Hi lelin, You make a vry strong case, thanks for commenting. Blessings.
@shimanaja (493)
• Indonesia
18 Aug 09
Hi there mylotter.. Yes there is a link between emotional stress and physical illness. All i know that our mind set is connecting to our body. So if your mind set is not good, It can make your body follow the instructions of your mind. So pls just happy thought, and your day will happy too, no matter how stress we are.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 09
Hi shimanaja, I agree that any happy and positive thoughts can help. Thanks for commenting. Blessings.