Highly sensitive people seem to have more than their fair share of illnesses. Here we explore the complex interactions between the psychological, emotional, neurological, and immune systems.
The discipline of psychoimmunology was born in 1975, although I’m sure many of us didn’t know of it’s existence as a field of clinical practice. It is sometimes referred to as psychoneuroimmunology and is a multidisciplinary field that investigates how emotions, thoughts, stress, and mental well-being can influence the immune response and overall health. The term encompasses the study of how psychological factors can impact immune function, susceptibility to disease, and the body’s ability to heal and recover.
While psychoimmunology is a fascinating and potentially valuable area of research, there are several reasons why many medical doctors or psychiatrists may not know much about it:
- Specialisation: Medical professionals undergo extensive training within their specific fields (e.g., orthopaedics, paediatrics, psychiatry). Psychoimmunology is a relatively interdisciplinary field, and not all healthcare practitioners receive in-depth training in this area during their medical or psychiatric education.
- Historical Separation: In the past, the fields of psychology and immunology were often studied in isolation. There has been a historical separation between the medical and psychological communities, leading to limited cross-disciplinary education and collaboration.
- Complexity: The mind-body connection is incredibly intricate, and the research in psychoimmunology often involves complex studies and diverse methodologies. This complexity can make it challenging for busy medical professionals to keep up with the latest findings.
- Evolving Field: Psychoimmunology is a relatively young and evolving field, and its understanding has expanded significantly in recent decades. Many doctors may not have had the opportunity to learn about the latest research and developments in this area.
- Clinical Focus: Medical practitioners often prioritise clinical practice and the treatment of physical and mental health conditions. While psychoimmunology may have relevance in understanding certain health conditions, it may not always be the primary focus in their daily practice.
- Limited Integration: In some healthcare systems, the integration of psychoimmunology into medical or psychiatric care is limited. This can be due to various factors, including time constraints, lack of training, or a lack of awareness regarding the potential benefits of considering psychosocial factors in diagnosis and treatment.
It’s important to note that there are medical professionals who specialise in psychoimmunology, and some healthcare organisations have begun to incorporate a more holistic, patient-centred approach that recognises the influence of psychological factors on health. As the field of psychoimmunology continues to advance, it may become more integrated into mainstream medical and psychiatric practices.
My favourite books summarised
Many books have delved into the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, shedding light on the profound impact of emotional well-being on overall wellness. These works emphasise the significance of understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and past experiences can influence our health outcomes.
Here are three of my favourites with summaries.
“The Body Says No” by Gabor Maté
Maté’s book delves into the deep connections between carrying emotional stress with no release valve and physical health. He uses real-life cases, research, and personal anecdotes to illustrate how unresolved emotional issues and trauma can manifest as physical ailments. He underscores the importance of recognising and addressing these underlying emotional factors as a pivotal step toward achieving better health.
He, and many of the researchers, make the link between illness and pain being more prevalent in people who are pleasers, people who find it hard, sometimes impossible to say ‘no’ to others – people who put other’s needs before their own and may not even recognise that they have their own needs.
“The Divided Mind” by John Sarno
John Sarno’s groundbreaking work explores the concept that many chronic pain conditions may originate from suppressed emotions. He argues that conditions like back pain often represent the body’s way of expressing unresolved emotional turmoil. Sarno challenges conventional medical perspectives and suggests that comprehending the mind-body connection is essential for effective healing.
I recommend watching the powerful docudrama based on his work called All The Rage. The title gives you a clue as to which emotion, when bottled up, causes some of the worst chronic conditions. It’s available on streaming services.
Also the very popular and useful app Curable is based on his work.
“The Body Keeps The Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
Bessel van der Kolk offers an extensive examination of how trauma affects both the body and the mind. He delves into the impact of adverse experiences on the brain, immune system, and overall health. Through numerous clinical examples, van der Kolk highlights the significance of trauma-informed care, emphasising the need to address psychological and physiological aspects for true healing.
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In these books, the authors collectively show the intricate interplay between emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. They reinforce the idea that stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotional content can significantly influence the immune system and overall health. These works advocate for a holistic approach to wellness that acknowledges the powerful connection between the mind and the body. By understanding and addressing this interconnection, individuals and healthcare practitioners can foster a more comprehensive perspective on health and healing.
For HSPs emotional understanding, processing and emotional fluidity seems vitally important.
To deepen your knowledge and experience of emotions, I highly recommend the book ‘Permission to Feel’ by Prof Marc Brackett and the app developed by this team of researchers called How We Feel.