From Mind to Body: Unpacking the Deep Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Symptoms

Read time: 5 minutes

In a thought-provoking interview, The Professional Purpose Coach Danyelle Gibson-Grant, MCPC, teams up with The Mind Body Healing Coach, Anna Vickroy, to unravel the intricate relationship between mental health and its profound effects on the body. As we explore this vital topic, Danyelle, guides us through an enlightening conversation with Anna, whose extensive knowledge of the mind-body connection offers invaluable insights. Uncover the hidden impact of mental health on physical well-being as we delve into the depths of this compelling discussion, examining the crucial factors that shape our overall wellness.

Hello Anna! So excited for this conversation today!! Let's jump right in!

Q. How does the mind- body connection shape our overall health?

Answer: Anna The mind-body connection is crucial in understanding overall health. It highlights how our mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, with thoughts and emotions influencing physical well-being and vice versa. While we often think the brain primarily sends information to the body, it actually receives more subconscious information from the body. This means if we are disconnected from our body, we might unknowingly be influenced by this subconscious information.

Our nervous system acts like a circuit board, with the subconscious mind as its programming. Nervous system states are more influenced by our subconscious than by conscious thoughts. Many people live primarily in their heads, relying on mindset to navigate life. However, being disconnected from our bodies means we may unknowingly follow subconscious beliefs. For example, I pursued multiple engineering degrees and a successful career thinking it was my conscious choice. Later, I realized my subconscious belief that I was only worthy if I was smart and successful, a belief buried since childhood, drove these decisions and caused significant stress.

Stress is a natural part of life, but modern conditioning often prevents us from processing it healthily. Accumulated stress from childhood can lead to trauma and a dysregulated nervous system, putting the body in survival mode. This state diverts energy from essential systems like the immune, digestive, and hormonal systems, leading to chronic health conditions.

Danyelle: Wow! That is powerful Anna! And so true about the subconscious. I understand about the influence of the subconscious mind on the conscious mind and it's ultimate effects.

Q. Can addressing mental health issues improve physical symptoms?

A. Yes, addressing mental health issues can improve physical symptoms. Our medical system often views the body as separate from thoughts, emotions, and environment, but recent science shows the mind is integral to physical health. Physical health cannot exist without mental and emotional health.

By addressing mental health through the mind-body connection, we can improve physical symptoms. This connection allows for a more flexible nervous system, enabling us to transition more easily from stress or survival states to rest and restore states. When not stuck in survival states, energy is freed up for the digestive, immune, and hormonal systems to function properly.

Danyelle: Absolutely!!

Q. What happens to the body when mental health is neglected? OR…. What happens to your body when you neglect your mental health?

A. Neglecting mental health can have significant impacts on the body. As a recovering high-achiever, I experienced cycles of anxiety and depression, often accompanied by panic attacks. I didn't recognize these as mental health issues at the time because I thought my experiences were normal.? While this may be a common experience, this is not normal or healthy.

Anxiety manifested as months of high productivity and sleeplessness, indicating my nervous system was in fight mode of the survival nervous system state. Eventually, my body would shut down into depression, entering freeze mode of the survival nervous system state, and I would often get sick. Despite "resting," I never felt truly rested and was always restless or bored, eager to return to work. Even on vacations, I couldn't fully de-stress because I didn't know how to connect with my body.

Over decades, my symptoms worsened, resulting in high blood pressure, food sensitivities, digestive issues and ulcers. I tried meditation, breath work, and yoga, which helped superficially, but something was still missing and I wasn’t addressing the root of the issue. It wasn't until I healed my relationship with my body and learned to understand its signals that I could naturally de-stress, heal my trauma (stored stress) and heal both my mental and physical symptoms.

Q. What are easy, practical steps one can take to align the body and the mind and truly focus on Mental Health?

A. Aligning the mind and body isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, our disconnection is often a form of intelligent self-protection because the stored emotions/stress in the body would otherwise overwhelm us until we have the capacity for it.?

However, some practical steps can help start this journey:

1. Listen to Body Impulses: Respond promptly to basic needs like thirst, hunger, and rest. For example, drink water when you feel thirsty, use the bathroom when you feel the urge, and rest when you're tired. These actions build trust with your body.
2. Mindful Movement: During exercise, pay attention to how your body feels. Avoid punishing your body in the name of health. Instead of distracting yourself, focus on body sensations as you move. Experiment with moving slower and explore how the movement may feel good in the body.
3. Breathe Mindfully: Notice when you're holding your breath or are breathing shallowly and aim for a comfortable breath. Start with slightly deeper breaths without forcing it.? Then slow down the exhale without feeling like you’re holding your breath. Find a breathing pattern that feels good and practice it for a minute.

These practices help reconnect the mind and body, promoting overall well-being.

This is fantastic and wonderful tips Anna! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us. For the individuals reading this and realize they may need addition support in this area how can readers get in touch with you?

Anna: The practices above can help you get started. When you're ready to dive deeper and seek support, I'm here to assist you. The approach I teach, known as somatics, involves tuning into the body gradually (titration) to build capacity and find safety within the body.

Through this process, you learn to feel sensations and understand the information your body shares with your mind. This helps regulate the nervous system out of survival mode, allowing stress to be released. Each person discovers their own impulses and wisdom to manage stress in real-time and release stored stress. This path leads to a "rest and restore" state and helps reprogram the subconscious mind for healthier beliefs.

While some of this work can be done alone, those with chronic stress or trauma often need somatic support. A somatic practitioner provides co-regulation, where their nervous system communicates safety to the client's nervous system, facilitating deeper healing.

Anna can be reached Anna Vickroy, PE, TE, CHT or visit: https://www.awakentoyourbody.com

Danyelle: Anna, this was such an enlightening interview, thank you for your time.