Autoimmune diseases – psychological factors
According to Rudiger Dahlke, several factors can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases:
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity levels, and exposure to toxins and pollutants.
- Emotional and psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, and depression, and trauma
- Chronic inflammation, which can be caused by infections, metabolic imbalances, and immune system dysfunction.
- Hormonal imbalances, particularly imbalances in estrogen levels.
- Genetic predisposition, where certain genetic mutations increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
It is important to note that the exact causes of, for example, cancer can vary depending on the individual and the type of cancer, and that a combination of factors often plays a role in the development of the disease.
Psychological factors, including trauma, may also play a role in the development of cancer, according to some experts, such as Rudiger Dahlke. Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect, can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Chronic stress has been shown to have a negative effect on the immune system, which can make it harder for the body to fight cancer cells. Stress also releases hormones that can promote inflammation and cell damage, both of which can increase the risk of cancer.
In addition, trauma and other psychological stressors can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or overeating, which can also contribute to the development of cancer.
While psychological factors are not the only cause of cancer, they can be an important factor to consider in the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Psychological factors that may contribute to the development of colon, lung, and prostate cancer may include:
Colon cancer:
Chronic stress: Long-term exposure to stress has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, possibly due to its effects on the immune system and the promotion of inflammation.
Depression: People with a history of depression may be at increased risk of colon cancer, possibly due to unhealthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle choices.
Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and smokers are more likely to have mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, than non-smokers; addictions are a consequence of mental imbalance.
Workplace Stress: People who work in high-stress environments, such as firefighters and miners, may be at increased risk of lung cancer, potentially due to exposure to carcinogens.
Prostate Cancer:
Depression: Men with a history of depression may be at increased risk of prostate cancer, as stress and depression can affect hormone levels and immune system function.
Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, possibly due to the release of hormones that promote inflammation and cell damage.
It is important to note that these are not the only psychological factors that may influence the development of these cancers, and the relationship between psychological factors and cancer is complex and not fully understood. In addition, many other factors, such as genetics and lifestyle, also play a role in the development of cancer.
Psychological factors have been suggested as potential causes of the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of these factors include:
Stress: Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of developing IBD, as stress has been shown to affect the immune system and promote inflammation.
Mental health: Depression and anxiety are associated with a higher risk of developing IBD, and people with IBD are also more likely to have mental health problems.
Trauma: Childhood abuse and neglect, as well as other traumatic experiences, are associated with an increased risk of IBD, possibly because of their effects on the immune system and their promotion of inflammation.
Personality: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, high-stress coping styles, and a tendency to worry, are associated with an increased risk of developing UBC.
Emotional factors, such as repressed anger or repressed emotions, have been suggested as potential triggers for the development of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some experts believe that holding onto emotions, such as anger, can lead to chronic stress, which can affect the immune system and trigger inflammation.
In addition, psychological stress and trauma have been linked to an increased risk of UBC, potentially due to their impact on the functioning of gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which plays a key role in the immune response in the digestive tract.
Although the relationship between emotional factors and UBC is not fully understood, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors may contribute to the development of these conditions. People with UBC are encouraged to manage their stress levels, engage in physical activity, and seek support from a mental health professional if needed.
*Keywords: bodywork, body-oriented therapy, autoimmune diseases, psychological factors, somatic experiencing, psychosomatics
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*For fime: Kreativni Direktor
