Your Body is Talking...Are You Listening?

The pain was so bad I thought I was having a stroke. 

I checked the mirror to check for signs. No face drooping, equal smile on both sides. But the pain was still there. 

Having had only one migraine in my life, this was different, somehow I was afraid of this pain, instinctively. 

Not wanting to alert my family in case I was overreacting, I drove myself to the ER where a wonderful IV eliminated the pain temporarily. I left with a warning to return if the pain came back, but no real diagnosis. 

It did come back. With a vengeance. 

And over the course of the next week, I went back and forth to doctors until a little rash appeared and finally there was a breakthrough. 

Shingles. 

I was shocked, yes I had had chicken pox as a kid so technically I was at risk for shingles, but to me that was for old people and even though I was now in my 30s, I did not believe that I was old enough for this.

My body had other ideas. 

The biggest risk factor that I had for Shingles? STRESS. My body had been telling me for weeks, maybe years, that it was under distress, that I needed to slow down, make some changes, that I was wearing myself out. But I pushed on, until I couldn't.

Stress is so sneaky, because it's so common, we ignore the impact it has on our physical and mental health. Stress is a natural response to challenging or dangerous situations, but when stress becomes chronic, that's when it becomes dangerous. 

Chronic stress has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. But it also triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can be helpful in short bursts but can have negative effects when they are constantly activated.  Over time, this causes those physical health consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders and nerve disruptions like activating a dormant chicken pox virus that stays present in the body to protect me from a second bout of the viral infection.

Managing stress in a healthy way is essential for maintaining good mental health. This can involve a range of techniques, such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises. But some people don't realize that mental health coaching or counseling can be a great addition to your stress management routine. 

No, the hour you spend talking to a professional doesn't suddenly give you a raise at work or get the laundry done, but it does give you a chance to decompress, gain clarity and have the support you need to make a plan to tackle the bigger issues.

Think about it...how often do you have someone's undivided attention strictly focused on YOUR needs? 

If you're over the tired advice to practice self-care and you're ready to take care of your body and mind by addressing your stress, call our office today at 317-471-8996 and schedule an appointment with one of cour coaches or counselors. Our "Spring Clean Your Mental Health" Sessions are starting soon and we are here for you.