Psychological factors can significantly impact physical health?
Hello, first of all, I have no bad habits; I just often work 12-hour shifts (physical labor, I can only sit during breaks).
I take a half-hour break for meals and attend night school two days a week (this has been ongoing for a year and a half), which leads to late nights.
Initially, I only experienced slight dizziness, which would resolve whether I sat down or not, and I was still able to work without issues.
Gradually, I began to experience chest pain, a feeling of pressure in my heart, and difficulty breathing.
Occasionally, I would become short of breath after just a few steps, and sitting down no longer helped with the dizziness.
Eventually, I fainted, fell, and was unconscious on the ground for a period of time.
After that, I felt extremely weak and unable to move for two to three days, making it impossible for me to work.
I have been experiencing these symptoms for six months (two months after the initial dizziness, my weight dropped sharply to 44 kg from a standard weight of 48 kg, and it has continued to decline).
After testing for various conditions with no abnormalities found, the doctor mentioned something about the vagus nerve and suggested I could relax, stating there was no treatment but that I could avoid triggers.
My condition is such that walking or standing for one to two hours leads to dizziness that escalates uncontrollably, severely impacting my normal life and survival for the past six months; I spend about 80% of my time in bed.
The physical state I have been in for six months has caused significant financial stress.
Some doctors have suggested I see a psychologist, which might help.
My family background is quite special, and the environment I grew up in for over a decade has left me feeling fearful and deeply saddened.
Around the age of 12 (before that, I thought their harmful behavior was love, but it became increasingly painful as I grew older), I began to experience headaches, a feeling of emptiness in my mind, and trembling hands and legs whenever I heard my parents speak or saw them (even when I felt neutral).
I could even distinguish my parents' footsteps on the street as if I had superpowers, and their footsteps made me very anxious.
Occasionally, I would confide in friends about the violence at home; they noted that I would cry suddenly and intensely, but I would quickly regain my composure, as if nothing had happened after crying.
Now, I am no longer as fearful of them, but I often have nightmares where I scream (dreaming of family while I resist).
Sometimes, I am unaware that I am screaming in my sleep until others tell me.
I started having nightmares around the age of five, waking up crying from the same dream about my family.
I no longer have that dream, and when I wake up, I feel calm without any particular sadness or fear.
When I see my family, my mind goes blank, and my hands tremble, but it is just a natural bodily reaction without any specific emotions.
I believe I can handle my psychological state; I have never seen a psychiatrist.
A doctor mentioned that my psychological condition, marked by sadness and fear for over a decade, could materially affect my body.
What illness do you think I might have? I genuinely feel fine psychologically, but now my body is suddenly deteriorating, and medical examinations show no issues.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I lack the courage to see a psychiatrist, but I wanted to ask online first.
If medication treatment is necessary, I will consult a doctor.
Thank you.
Wang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/30
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Wang.
After reading your description, I understand that you have been going through a tough time lately with long working hours and recent health issues, along with a history of domestic violence.
For your physical issues, such as severe dizziness, I recommend continuing to work with a neurologist.
Regarding the violence from your parents, it’s important to consider whether it has led to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I suggest seeking further evaluation from a psychiatrist to determine if you need medication or psychotherapy.
If you feel hesitant about visiting a large hospital for psychiatric care, there are many community mental health clinics available, similar to seeing a doctor for any other illness.
Privacy is also maintained.
There’s nothing wrong with seeking help for mental and physical health issues.
Stay strong! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Reply Date: 2015/11/30
More Info
Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial, especially when dealing with the complex interplay between psychological health and physical well-being. Your situation illustrates how chronic stress, anxiety, and past trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, which is a common experience for many individuals.
From your description, it seems you have been under significant stress due to your work schedule and personal history. Working long hours in a physically demanding job, coupled with the pressures of attending night school, can lead to physical exhaustion and heightened anxiety. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fainting spells, may be linked to a condition known as vasovagal syncope, which can occur when the vagus nerve is overstimulated, often due to stress or anxiety.
The mind-body connection is well-documented in medical literature. Psychological stress can lead to various physiological responses, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and changes in breathing patterns. These responses can exacerbate existing physical conditions or create new ones. In your case, the combination of your stressful lifestyle and unresolved emotional trauma may be contributing to your physical symptoms.
It's also important to consider the impact of your childhood experiences on your current health. Growing up in a stressful environment, particularly one involving violence or emotional trauma, can lead to long-term psychological effects, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and somatic symptom disorder. These conditions can cause individuals to experience physical symptoms without a clear medical cause, often as a way for the body to express unresolved emotional pain.
Your reluctance to seek help from a mental health professional is understandable, but it is crucial to recognize that addressing psychological issues can significantly improve your physical health. Many people find that therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help them manage anxiety and stress more effectively. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can lead to a reduction in physical symptoms.
Additionally, mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. These techniques can be beneficial in managing stress and improving overall well-being. Regular physical activity, which you may already be engaging in, is also known to release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Given that you have undergone thorough medical evaluations with no significant findings, it may be beneficial to explore the psychological aspects of your health further. A mental health professional can help you navigate your feelings about your family dynamics and past trauma, providing you with tools to cope with your symptoms.
In summary, your physical symptoms may be closely linked to your psychological state, influenced by both your current lifestyle and past experiences. Seeking help from a mental health professional could provide you with the support you need to address these issues, ultimately leading to improvements in both your mental and physical health. Remember, taking the first step towards seeking help is a sign of strength, and it can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
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