3 ARTICLES HIGHLIGHTING THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION:

Mind and Body form a two way street.

ARTICLE #1

TITLE

The Devastating Ways Depression and Anxiety Impact the Body:    Mind and body form a two-way street.

DESCRIPTION

This is a magnificent important article from New York Times science writer Jane E. Brody!  The entire article focuses on how the mind and body affect each other.   “It’s no surprise that when a person gets a diagnosis of heart disease, cancer or some other life-limiting or life-threatening physical ailment, they become anxious or depressed. But the reverse can also be true: Undue anxiety or depression can foster the development of a serious physical disease, and even impede the ability to withstand or recover from one. The potential consequences are particularly timely, as the ongoing stress and disruptions of the pandemic continue to take a toll on mental health.  The human organism does not recognize the medical profession’s artificial separation of mental and physical ills. Rather, mind and body form a two-way street. What happens inside a person’s head can have damaging effects throughout the body, as well as the other way around. An untreated mental illness can significantly increase the risk of becoming physically ill, and physical disorders may result in behaviors that make mental conditions worse.”  The article provides excellent examples from research findings of how psychological disorders can affect physical health.   The end of the article focuses on the ways that therapy can interrupt the negative cycle to reduce psychological symptoms, disorders, and physical illness.  

This article is a must for understanding how Psychology and Medicine interact for the well being of an individual.   The article can be read along with the text chapters highlighting health, stress, coping, and psychological disorders (particularly anxiety and depression).

SOURCE

New York Times, October 4, 2021, by Jane E. Brody

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/well/mind/depression-anxiety-physical-health.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/xhsc4znz

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ARTICLE #2

TITLE

Can Negative Thinking Make You Sick?

DESCRIPTION

This is an older article that focuses on the Mind-Body connection in relation to our attitudes, thoughts, emotions, and disease .  In a way, it should be considered timely, as well, in terms of how people have coped and handled the covid pandemic in our society, medically, work world, and student in academia.  “Our thoughts and emotions have widespread effects on bodily processes like metabolism, hormone release, and immune function, Simon-Thomas (researcher) says. One theory is that when you’re stressed or depressed, cortisol levels increase, making your immune system less able to control inflammation, which could lead to disease over time…It could also be that people who feel bad—be it depressed, stressed, cynical, or otherwise—may also be more likely to smoke or drink alcohol, or less likely to be physically active, all things that can affect your health, of course. Or it’s possible that negative emotions might be an early symptom of a health problem, rather than a cause.”  The article looks at various studies related to both physical, physiological, and psychological disorders.

This article should be read in conjunction with the text related to Psychology, Health, Stress, and an understanding of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

SOURCE

Time, July 8, 2015, by Adam Hoffman

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/3944624/negative-thinking-health-problems/

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/3xf55zdw

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ARTICLE #3

TITLE

6 Illnesses With A Mind-Body Connection That Can’t Be Ignored

DESCRIPTION

This Womens Health Magazine article is highly relevant for all — not just women.   The article gives a great deal of attention to how the mind-body interact around both psychological disorders and physical illness.  “The phrase “mind-body connection” can feel ambiguous, even woo-woo, something to be reconciled during yoga class. But emerging science is now bearing out physiological connections between many seemingly unrelated mental and bodily issues—many seemingly unrelated on the surface. And it can go both ways: Mental health issues can lead to physical ones, and vice versa.”  The article focuses on six areas where the first in each is a physical disorder followed by the psychological disorder: 1 – heart disease, panic disorder, depression; 2 – psoriasis and depressive disorder;  3 – migraines, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder; 4 – irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression; 5 – allergies, depression; 6 – diabetes, schizophrenia.  The article presents research findings in each of the six areas and then provides important advice on “protecting yourself” and how to best cope.

The article is important to understand in times of stress not only because it shows the mind-body connection but also the strategies for coping which may include psychotherapy, exercise, meditation, and methods of self-help.

SOURCE

WomensHealthMag.com, February 19, 2018, by Laura Tedesco

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a18198138/mind-body-connection-illnesses/

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/zbapwc6a

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CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is the main point of the articles in terms of the Mind-Body connection?

•What do the researchers believe to be the effects of negative thinking, emotions, anxiety and depression on our physiological bodily processes?  And vice versa?

•How are these articles relevant in terms of the Psychology of Stress and Health and Coping?

•If you were providing a lecture, what three points would you make that are most salient regarding the mind-body connection?