Chapter 1: The Hidden Signs of Mental Health Struggles

When I met my new client, she expressed a surprising sentiment: "To be honest, I don't want to see you." This was a referral for psychological assessment and treatment from her general practitioner (GP), who had recommended that she address her stress levels rather than her physical ailments. Frustrated, she shared, "I’ve been unwell this year—constant colds, flu, sore throats, and odd aches. It's hard for me physically, yet he acts as if it's all in my head."

The doctor had conducted several tests, including blood work, but the results were inconclusive. He suggested that her physical symptoms might stem from emotional or psychological issues. He might have been onto something.

“A primary factor in the development of numerous illnesses is excessive stress stemming from unconscious beliefs. To achieve true health, one must embark on a journey toward understanding their own biological beliefs.” — Gabor Maté

The Body’s Memory

My client's experience is not unique. Many individuals seek therapy when they can’t pinpoint a medical cause for their physical ailments. There are likely even more who pursue psychological support due to mild depression, anxiety, or burnout—still managing to function but feeling drained and lethargic, as though every task requires immense effort.

Often, these individuals are indeed facing physical health issues, yet they haven't linked their struggles to stressors, whether chronic or situational. Therapy's role is to delve into these connections.

Mental health professionals approach this subject with care. While some, myself included, believe that numerous physical conditions have emotional roots, we don’t rush to conclusions; that would be irresponsible. It's vital for those who are unwell to undergo appropriate medical evaluations, scans, and treatments. Even when tests yield no findings, such reassurance can be comforting, something that verbal affirmations may not provide.

For psychologists, the intrigue lies in the aftermath. The body frequently reveals clues about an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps their health issues are linked to past trauma or ongoing stressful circumstances that are manifesting physically.

In my client's case, she was caught in a chronically unsatisfactory relationship and frequently felt unwell. Could there be a connection? Perhaps. As psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk states, "You carry your emotions in your body." This means that the body keeps a record of emotional experiences.

Van der Kolk’s research focuses on trauma. He explains that after experiencing trauma, the brain actively works to suppress it through mechanisms like blocking, forgetting, and self-blame. This can lead to self-destructive behaviors involving substances or compulsions. However, the body retains the memory, resulting in physiological changes—a heightened stress response, an alteration in how the brain processes information, and more.

Stress can become trapped in the muscles, leading to various physical health issues: frequent colds, sore throats, chronic pain, digestive troubles, and unexplained physical discomfort. While research often struggles to establish clear connections between stress and disease, factors like genetics, environmental influences, and individual vulnerabilities also play significant roles.

It’s a complicated issue, making it challenging to identify stress as the sole cause of health problems. No wonder GPs are so busy!

It's natural to seek explanations for physical discomfort, and the initial step usually involves medical evaluation. However, many times, the results are unclear, leaving no organic cause identified. The burden of emotional stress can be too heavy, causing the body to react.

If you find yourself grappling with persistent physical health concerns, consider exploring the psychological aspects. Reflect on these questions:

• What current stressors am I facing?
• What events were occurring in my life when this issue began?
• Are there ongoing stressors affecting me?
• Have I experienced any historical trauma that remains unaddressed?

And think about potential steps you could take to lighten your load. A shift in work habits or lifestyle may yield positive changes. Alternatively, it might be time to gently confront those painful memories.

I appreciate van der Kolk’s interpretation of a line from British poet W.H. Auden:

"Truth, like love and sleep, resists approaches that are too intense." Thus, one must tread carefully and gradually when revisiting past wounds.

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This video discusses the often overlooked mental health issues that many individuals face and how to identify them.

Chapter 2: Recognizing the Signs of Mental Illness

Explore ten signs of mental illness that should not be ignored, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and intervention.