Here, Psychotherapist Peter Adamson explains
why: 'You're only half as ill as you think you are!'
This is a very provocative statement and before
any reader gets hot under the collar perhaps I should explain myself fully.
Every long-term illness has two components, a physical one, such as a bladder or
bowel problem, and an emotional one. The emotional one is less easy to define,
it may be anger that this has happened, or guilt that the sufferer
is letting other people down, or shame or embarrassment, or fear
that the condition will worsen, or even depression about having the
problem. Other issues such as lack of confidence or self-worth may also arise.
Once these dents have been made in your personal armour, lack of sleep, panic
attacks and stress may quickly follow to overwhelm you. Endless rounds of visits
to doctors and specialists are followed by examinations and countless tablets
for sleep, depression, stomach upset and anxiety. A feeling of hopelessness
ensues. These are common steps for many chronic conditions.
95% of serotonin, the brain chemical
responsible for the feel-good factor, is manufactured in your gut. If your gut
is on strike, it will not produce serotonin. At the opposite end of the spectrum
is adrenalin, it makes your muscles ready to stand and fight small lions or run
away from bigger ones. If your level of anxiety is extreme, you produce too much
adrenalin and feel constantly on edge. Running away from lions requires you to
be as light as possible in order to survive. Your nervous system responds by
affecting the output of your bladder or bowels, usually by increasing output.
Psychotherapy has helped many people to deal
with the emotional side of their illness - clinical hypnotherapy has helped many
people to increase their serotonin level and decrease their adrenalin response
to situations, and become more relaxed. It is extremely safe. I regularly do it
via the phone with long-distance clients. If you increased your serotonin levels
and got rid of the emotional side of your illness, you would be only half as ill
as you think you are!
For more information, contact Peter Adamson BSc
CertEd DHP Psychotherapist on 01942 677 426 or email peter@changinu.com
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