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By: Adele Geiger, Resiliency Coach

“If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.  Read that again.”    – unknown

 There have been many studies over the years that prove a mind-body connection.  Emotional can manifest into physical symptoms.  Your emotional health can have a direct impact on your physical health. 

I learned this the hard way by enduring trauma and continuing as a caretaker to everyone.  I didn’t make time for me or healing me. I was either last on my list or not on my list at all.  As a child I assumed the role of caretaker. I guess I thought that the role had been appointed to me. So that is how I operated as an adult.  It simply didn’t occur to me that I was establishing a pattern that eventually would hold me accountable. 

Three years ago, I was ambulanced to a hospital and stayed for five days.  I was completely dehydrated and depleted of almost all vitamins.  Had I not gotten help; my organs would have started to shut down.  I had pushed my body (and emotional health) to the limit.  The doctor said, “I can’t figure this out, but I know that all you are doing every day is surviving and that is no way to live. I’m sending you to Mayo.” 

The trip to Mayo is what taught me the most.  A specialist there asked me a series of questions. My answers (which he had already guessed) brought him to the conclusion that the conditions that I have are all stress related and trauma based.  He compassionately said, “It seems you were in a position where you didn’t feel as though you could take care of yourself.  I don’t think you realize how serious this is.”  My high stress life, the traumas and caretaking had gone from taking an emotional toll on me to manifesting into physical conditions.

Your body does keep score.  There are places to go for support to help you to build yourself back up – EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY.  They can help you to find ways to care for yourself so that the manifestations are at the very least drastically reduced.  Support groups, individual therapy, positive self-talk and exercise are just a few ways to make life better and more meaningful. 

You’re not alone.  You’re not the only one.  Don’t just survive life – live it!