When Stress Turns Physical

Living in an urban city as an adult means having one constant companion in my life, and probably yours too: 'stress'. Navigating the bustling life in Mumbai, with its endless deadlines, personal commitments, and the relentless pace, I often feel like I'm juggling too many balls at once. And believe me, the body feels every single one that drops.

I used to think stress was just 'in my head'. For instance, if I think positively, everything will be fine. But unfortunately, I was wrong! I started noticing subtle shifts. Those nagging tension headaches, stomach ache, shoulder ache, day in and day out, as if I was perpetually carrying a heavy backpack filled with worries. These weren’t just random aches; they were my body screaming for attention.

Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, designed to react to threats. When I'm feeling overwhelmed – say, stuck in an endless traffic jam or facing a tight work deadline – my body switches into "fight or flight" mode. It's like an alarm bell goes off. My heart starts to pound a little faster, my breath becomes shallow, and I can almost feel my muscles tensing up, ready for action. This is my sympathetic nervous system releasing a cocktail of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. For a quick burst, it's helpful. But when that alarm bell continues to ring, that's when the real issues begin.

I’ve personally experienced how chronic stress messes with my Menstrual Cycles. Due to the constant impact of stress on my body, I was further diagnosed with PCOS with ovarian torsion. The journey until this diagnosis was the most painful one. I experienced an excruciating abdominal pain which was unbearable. The only cure for it was undergoing surgery. This hit me really hard! I never imagined that stress could lead to everything from an upset stomach to more persistent issues. This incident shook me. It made me reflect on all those times stress impacted my health.

During particularly stressful periods, I found myself getting sick more often, catching every little cold that went around. It’s as if my body's defence system was so busy dealing with the internal "threat" of stress that it couldn't properly fight off actual germs. I realised that my gut knows exactly how stressed I am, and it reacts accordingly. And then there's the heart. The thought of constant stress putting a strain on my heart, leading to elevated pressure, is genuinely alarming. It's a stark reminder that what occurs in our minds has a very real, tangible impact on our physical health.

Through my personal experience, I took the first step - to acknowledge these physical symptoms. I started to listen to what my body is telling me, recognising that these aches, pains, and period issues aren't just random, but direct messages from a body under pressure. It's a continuous journey of understanding and being kinder to myself, realising that a calm mind often leads to a calmer and healthier body. So, I started my journey. What about you?

Consult us for therapy or join our upcoming workshop for the stressed mind!

By Vidhi Bhanushali

Vidhi is our Psychology Intern. As an aspiring Clinical Psychologist, she is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space where you can freely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through Innate Mind, she is dedicated to supporting your personal growth and empowering you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.