Your Health Problems Are Not "All in Your Head"

Our grandmothers have known this for a long time

. Now many physicians and healthcare providers have begun to also embrace this concept as numerous recent studies document the statistical relationship between past trauma and current health. But how does this happen? To address this question, health psychologist and author Kathleen Kendall-Tackett examined her own field of study as well as the child maltreatment literature. Her examination of the numerous studies in both fields helped her identify five major pathways leading from past abuse to current negative health conditions. In her book, The Lifetime Health Effects of Childhood Victimization, she lists these five pathways: Physiological pathways Trauma causes your sympathetic nervous system to become more reactive. In the stress management literature the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight stress response. Trauma can cause your levels of stress hormone to become permanently dysregulated (medicalize for "out of whack." Trauma may cause you to be more sensitive to pain as it may lower your pain threshold. Behavioral pathways Because of past trauma or abuse, you may find yourself engaging in risky or harmful behaviors such as using alcohol or dangerous substances. On the flip side, you may ignore engaging in health-promoting behaviors such as proper exercise or eating. Cognitive pathways As a trauma survivor you may be more likely to have negative beliefs about yourself and others Negative beliefs can undermine your health and may also lead to your engaging in harmful behaviors and harmful relationships. Social pathways As an abuse survivor, you may find that you experience trouble in relationships: divorce, marital disruptions, and social isolation. Past abuse may condition you to become revictimized in adulthood. Trauma fallout can result in your having a higher incidence of poverty, becoming homeless, or having difficulty in school or work. All of these social problems can negatively impact your adult health status. Emotional pathways Past trauma or abuse may result in your having depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression or PTSD can suppress your immune system and lead to a myriad of health problems, including increased risk of heart attacks. Healing past wounds to improve your health Awareness affords you the opportunity to heal, improve your life, and become more productive. How do you gain such insight and awareness? Start by journaling 15 minutes or so three times a week about what past trauma you have experienced. As you identify the traumas, ask yourself how each one has changed or driven your life. You will be amazed at what you learn as your journal pages take on a life of their own. Once you are aware that a problem exists for you, you can set the stage for action. Read everything you can about your problem, consult professionals, and discuss with friends who support you. Then craft a plan for overcoming your problem and take action.

Your Health Problems Are Not "All in Your Head"

By: Ellen Taliaferro, MD

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