Hidden damage of chronic stress: How your mind can make your body sick
How anxiety affects internal organs and damages the body (Photo: Getty Images)
The constant focus on the perfect life and endless deadlines forces us to ignore our body’s signals. But when our psyche can no longer handle the strain, physical pain sets in.
In an exclusive interview with RBC-Ukraine, Kateryna Hannokha, a psychiatrist at the Nezlamna Mental Recovery Center run by the Masha Foundation, explains exactly how chronic stress destroys our bodies from the inside and why test results often come back normal even when we’re actually feeling unwell.
Pain is real, but cause is in head
Many of us have found ourselves in a situation where our bodies literally feel like they’re falling apart, but doctors just shrug their shoulders.
"Sometimes a person spends years treating headaches, stomach problems, heart palpitations, or other symptoms, yet medical tests show no serious abnormalities. The pain in such situations is very real, but it may be caused by the body’s reaction to prolonged psychological and emotional stress," explains Kateryna Hannokha.
This is neither a figment of the imagination nor malingering. It is a classic manifestation of psychosomatics (the influence of psychological factors on the onset of physical illnesses), where unexpressed emotions and anxiety transform into very real physical discomfort.
How stress disrupts biological settings
Our bodies are designed to handle short-term bursts of danger, but they are not at all prepared to live in a state of anxiety for months on end.
"When the nervous system operates at its limit for a long time, the body begins to react physically: stress hormone levels rise, and the functioning of the muscles, heart, and digestive system changes," says the expert.
She reminds us that if we don’t give ourselves a break, the system breaks down.
"If the stress lasts for months, the body gradually begins to send signals through discomfort or pain," explains Kateryna Hannokha.
Four main targets in our body
Chronic anxiety takes a toll on the body’s most vulnerable systems. Psychologists and doctors identify several main areas of impact:
Gastrointestinal tract
Our gut is often called the second brain, which is why it’s the first to take the hit.
"The digestive system reacts very sensitively to this. Stress can cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, or appetite problems," adds the specialist.
Instead of looking for the cause in our emotional state, we buy yet another round of digestive pills.
"In such cases, people often treat only their stomach, even though the real trigger is constant anxiety," the psychiatrist emphasizes.
Muscle tension and chronic pain
Think about what a person looks like when they’re afraid of something or extremely nervous—they tense up all over.
"Muscle tension is also a common reaction. Under stress, the body automatically prepares to defend itself, so the shoulders, neck, and jaw tense up," says Kateryna Hannokha.
When this state becomes chronic, it has serious consequences for daily well-being.
"If this goes on for a long time, muscle tension, headaches, or back problems can develop," adds the expert.
Heart and breathing
Even if your electrocardiogram is perfect, stress can mimic severe heart conditions.
"Stress also affects your heart rate. You may experience a rapid heartbeat, irregular rhythm, shortness of breath, or chest tightness even when your heart is physically healthy," explains the specialist.
Immune defense
When all your resources are devoted to fighting an imaginary enemy in your head, there’s no energy left to defend against real viruses.
"Moreover, the immune system often suffers in this state, as defense mechanisms weaken, causing a person to get sick more often and recover more slowly," adds the psychiatrist.
What to do about it: A step-by-step recovery plan
Psychosomatic issues are not a reason to reject traditional medicine. The first step should always be a rational one.
"Of course, when such symptoms appear, the first thing to do is undergo a medical examination to rule out physical causes," says Kateryna Hannokha.
If medical tests reveal no abnormalities, you need to immediately shift your focus to your lifestyle and mental state.
"But if your test results are normal and the symptoms persist, it’s important to also pay attention to your stress levels," advises the expert.
To restore balance, you don’t necessarily have to radically change your entire life; it’s worth starting with the basics:
- Reviewing your daily routine
- Getting enough quality sleep
- Taking regular breaks throughout the day
- Seeking support from a mental health professional
"The body can’t just make up symptoms—it can 'talk' to us through these signals," says Kateryna Hannokha.
Learn to listen to your body’s whispers, whether they manifest as mild fatigue or discomfort, so you don’t end up having to treat serious chronic consequences later on.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
