Dr. Susan Babel, a psychologist specializing in trauma-induced depression, tells us that it’s slightly possible that emotions can cause chronic physical pain. Recent studies confirm that certain physical pains, beyond being linked to injuries, may be loosely related to low emotional states, such as stress or anxiety. Discover everything about the emotions that cause physical illness below.
Emotions that cause discomfort in the body: How do emotions relate to physical pain?
We hear a lot of talk these days about the factors that lead us to develop all kinds of physical illnesses. People talk about poor nutrition, climate and environmental factors, and genetic factors, but one of the most important factors is overlooked when discussing the probable causes of common illnesses: the emotional factor.
In recent years, science has focused largely on researching the influence of our mood on our physical state, and as could not be otherwise, several studies have confirmed that our emotions are linked to our physical state, even more than we might imagine.
The emotions that cause illness really exist; our body always reacts according to what we think, feel, and do. This is how the mind-body connection develops.
Think about it carefully… When you feel overly stressed or tired, don’t you feel your stomach tingle, your shoulders tense, or your head feel like a volcano about to erupt? Our bodies are very intelligent, and they always warn us when our minds aren’t at their best; we just need to be able to listen carefully to what our body is trying to tell us.
While it’s true that maintaining a balanced emotional state can sometimes be difficult, it’s also true that knowing that emotions are a key factor in causing physical illness is an advantage when planning for a future recovery based on physical and emotional health.
If you have any of these discomforts in your body, we invite you to reflect…
Emotions that cause illness: 18 chronic pains linked to emotional states.
The following guide aims to teach you how to identify what type of emotion may be causing your pain or chronic illness, so you can combat the condition from the core.
1- Muscle pain
These types of pains refer to our ability to flow with our daily situations… How flexible are you being with each situation in your life?
2- Headaches
Headaches are related to decision-making… Have you been putting off an important situation in your life? Relax, rest, focus, and immediately take control of your life, making all those crucial and necessary decisions that have been keeping you up at night due to their procrastination.
3- Neck pain
This type of pain is related to forgiveness… If your neck or surrounding areas are in severe pain, sit down and reflect on what you need to forgive. Remember that sometimes, it’s necessary to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because we deserve to be free of that emotional burden.
4- Pain in the gums
When it comes to emotions that cause illness, insecurity and lack of commitment are always associated with gum pain.
Do your gums hurt? Take a hard look at what important decision you’re holding back on in your life for fear that you won’t be able to handle it later.
5- Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is always associated with an excess of emotional burden. Try to be rational for a moment to figure out what’s bothering you so much.
Remember, you’re not a superhero; don’t try to shoulder the world’s problems on your shoulders. Let everyone take responsibility for their own problems.
6- Stomach aches
If you suffer chronic stomach pain without any clear dietary reasons for it, you probably need to seriously question what it is in your life that you can’t digest well.
Gastrointestinal problems are almost always related to situations in our lives that are too difficult for us to accept or digest.
7- Upper back pain
Did you know that chronic upper back pain tells us how emotionally unsupported we feel?
You may feel too lonely in your romantic and emotional life… If you’re single, it may be time to go out and find a date. Don’t overthink it and just do it!
8- Pain in the sacrum and coccyx
Pain in this part of the body can be emotionally associated with situations that cause tension and worry. If you can identify such a situation in your life, find a solution now to free yourself from it, before it causes further damage, both physically and emotionally.
9- Pain in the elbows
Elbow pain is often associated with resistance to change. If your arms are too stiff, start asking yourself if you’re acting too rigidly in your life… Maybe all you need is to be a little more flexible!
10- General pain in the arms.
It’s clear evidence that there’s a huge burden in your life that’s holding you back; it could be a particular person or situation.
11- Pain in the hands
Our hands are our means of connecting with our surroundings; hand pain is often associated with something you want but, for some reason, is proving difficult to achieve. Try to socialize more, get out of the house, and above all, don’t let disappointment get you down… what you need will always find a way to manifest in your life. Don’t despair!
Hand pain can also be associated with difficulty letting go of something very dear to you.
12- Pain in the hips
Among the emotions that cause illness, difficulty adapting to changes is often directly associated with hip pain.
13- Muscle and joint pain
This type of pain is often associated with a lack of mobility and experience; with fear of new adventures and challenges… Dare to live life to the fullest!
14- Pain in the knees
Knee pain is often associated with overexerting yourself. Be humble and remember that you’re human; don’t always expect everything to be perfect.
15- Toothache
If we talk about emotions that cause illness, we can’t help but mention toothache, when we don’t feel comfortable in a situation and can’t find a way to deal with it. Let everything flow; remember that whatever is meant to be, will be.
16- Pain in the ankles
Ankle pain is usually associated with a lack of pleasure in your life. It may be time to start indulging yourself a little more, especially in your romantic relationships.
17- Pain that causes fatigue
It’s very clear; you feel bored, stuck, tired… don’t deny what you know is necessary for your progress. Dare to pursue your dreams!
18- Foot pain
Foot pain is always associated with depression and low mood. The feet are very sensitive areas of the body, capable of immediately detecting these types of negative emotions in us.
