When I first meet with patients, a question that often arises is: “Are you saying my health issues are all in my head?” The short answer? No. The longer answer is more nuanced. As a Health Psychologist, my role is not to dismiss physical symptoms or label them as “psychological.” Instead, it’s to explore what else might be happening and how we can work with the whole person—mind and body—to create the best possible outcome.

Consider this: the mind and body are part of the same system. They constantly communicate with and influence each other. A flare-up in a chronic condition might trigger anxiety, and in turn, that anxiety might amplify physical symptoms. On the flip side, fostering emotional well-being can help mitigate physical challenges, creating a positive feedback loop.

This doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real. Quite the opposite. It means we’re taking a holistic approach to your care. For example, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, we might explore ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, or reframe unhelpful thought patterns. These interventions aren’t about ignoring the pain but about supporting your body’s natural capacity to heal and adapt.

The goal is to uncover opportunities to promote wellness, not to assign blame or minimize your experience. By addressing the mind-body connection, we can create what I call an “upward cascade”—a series of positive changes that improve both mental and physical health.

So, is your health in your head? Not entirely. But by embracing the connection between mind and body, you can create a pathway to greater well-being.