Do you ever find yourself feeling dizzy, short of breath, having chest pain, or having increased blood pressure? If so, you are not alone. Although these symptoms are physical, the root cause may be emotional. After all, you’ve heard of the mind-body connection. It’s very real—-even documented.  And when we have these symptoms, it’s simply easier to feel irritable, depressed, anxious, and even angry.

Studies show that 41% of Americans have experienced at least one of the above symptoms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Why? Some studies indicate that the stress from the pandemic is the reason for these troubles. But we don’t need a study to understand why. Our Bozeman counselors consider and understand that at times during the pandemic, you have been isolated from the activities and the people you love. And besides that, you may have been afraid of the virus and protective of your family and your own life. The heart keeps track of us in ways we don’t completely understand but we feel. Of course, the heart is impacted!  

Besides symptoms of the heart, we often also experience problems with digestion during difficult times. If you have ever been so anxious that your stomach began to hurt, know that this can be a common effect of emotionally induced physical stress. This could be due to an increase in stress from the pandemic. And this doesn’t rule out all of life’s more expected and unexpected stresses unrelated to COVID. COVID has simply added to the stresses we already experience. 

If you think stress has caused any of these symptoms for you, there are options. Through Montana counseling services at nCenter, you can find ways to manage difficult emotions. This can often relieve physical symptoms. We provide Bozeman therapy and counseling at the nCenter, and we also provide neurofeedback and nutritional counseling in Montana. After all, if stress has caused the symptoms, the symptoms are still manifested physically and need to be addressed. We aim to consider the whole of you.  

Be encouraged by the fact that sometimes just calling for help begins the process of a more relaxed and hopeful view of life. Studies have shown that optimism, having a sense of purpose and a feeling of psychological well-being are associated with better overall health. Taking steps to care for yourself can result in a happier, more mindful, and vital life—a life worth living.

Here Are Some Fast Facts For You: 

  • 65 percent of 1,000 surveyed American adults reported experiencing increased stress because of the COVID pandemic.
  • Stress is sometimes the cause of shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and elevated blood pressure along with problems with digestion or stomach pain.
  • Stress-reduction techniques can improve overall health and the reduction of physical symptoms that are uncomfortable.
  • Optimism, having a sense of purpose, and a feeling of psychological well-being are associated with better health, and sometimes that happens when we take our first steps toward self-care.
  • It’s possible to be happier and more present in life with the ones we love and with ourselves.  This can lead to overall physical and mental health.