Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness – the WHO defines it as ‘a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community’.   I would add to this and make it even more emphatic in that somebody in good mental and emotional health feels balanced, calm and relaxed, fully able to ride life’s ups and downs and very often, they enjoy good physical health too.

There is a tendency, when speaking of health generally, to separate the mental from the physical.   However, in my belief this is not helpful, as physical health impacts on mental health, as well as the other way around.  Somebody who has experienced chronic arthritis and is in constant pain, for example, will invariably be more likely to become depressed, just as somebody who is suffering from depression and anxiety often finds that their immune system is lowered, and they catch endless colds and flu.

I have always been aware of the strong mind/body link, but my work as a hypnotherapist continues to make this belief even more deeply held.   I am starting to do more work in the field of infertility, and I have noticed that some women hold certain negative beliefs (sometimes even without realising) about their bodies, and their ability to become pregnant.  These beliefs may be totally irrational and not based in fact, but they can actually have an affect on the woman’s fertility.   Very often infertility is unexplained, and in these cases, there is (I believe) a strong suggestion of negative thought processes and beliefs.  By working with the woman and her partner, it is possible to instill a new sense of positivity and release old negative belief systems, which can open the woman up to the possibility of having a baby, and actually result in her body reaching a state of fertility.   Therefore, this is an example of the mind having a direct effect on the body.   The medical profession tend to view fertility as a very mechanical process, but I am convinced that there is a significant link here with the woman’s mental and emotional state of health.   How often have we heard the story of the childless couple, who (once they have adopted a baby) then go on to have children of their own?

Once the mainstream can start to accept the fact that people are not just a presentation of symptoms, and treat people more holistically, then I believe that there will be a move towards a healthier society in general.

If you are concerned about your health in any way, and feel that hypnotherapy could help you, please do not hesitate to call on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.

All the best,
Wendy