Post # 50 – EMOTIONAL STRUGGLES MAY HAVE A PHYSIOLOGICAL ROOT

{Part 2 of a series on “Understanding People as Fallen Image Bearers.” Part 1 was the subject of Post #49.}

THE PHYSICAL CIRCLE

This is one area where we are different from God. Though we were created in the image of God, we live in a temporary physical body that is subject to illness, weakness, and that’s inhabited by sin. (See Romans 7:14-25)  

Some of our deepest emotional struggles may be rooted in a physiological deficiency of some kind.  There may be a physical malady behind symptoms such as:

•            Depression

•            Anxiety disorders

•            Apathy

•            Insomnia

•            Confusion

As an example, depression is a prolonged experience of sadness that a person just can’t seem to get free from. Though it is usually associated with some kind of loss or tragedy in life, it could also be a symptom of a physical illness such as diabetes, a thyroid that is not functioning correctly, hormonal imbalances, bi-polar disorder, improper diet, the result of burnout, etc.

If you are battling with fear, depression, anxiety, anger or other strong emotions over a protracted period of time be sure to look into the possibility that your struggle might have a physical cause. Or, if you’re involved in the shepherding and care of others, be sure not to overlook the possibility that the struggles of someone you are seeking to help may have a physical root or cause.  The best way to do this is to make an appointment with a qualified medical professional and have a thorough checkup.

At the same time, according to experts … the opposite is often true; most physical illness has its’ origin in underlying unresolved emotion pain.

"Our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pains and diseases" - Gary Craig

“It has been said that 50 to 80 percent of all illnesses are psychosomatic in nature.” - Janet Maccaro, Breaking the Grip of Dangerous Emotions

God gives significant importance to our physical circle. Consider these passages of scripture:

·    1 Corinthians 6:15-20

·    Romans12:1-2 

·    1 Corinthians 9:27

AN AUTO-EVALUATION of the PHYSICAL CIRCLE

Take a few minutes to assess where you’re at in your physical circle.

First, click on this link.  This will take you to Google Docs titled “An Auto-Evaluation of My Physical Circle.” Just above the document to the far left, click on the “File” menu.  Then double click on “Download As” and select “Microsoft Word .docx.” This will download the auto-evaluation Document to your computer.  Then you can appraise how you’re doing and later use this tool as needed with people you’re seeking to help. 

(NOTE: This auto-evaluation tool is not meant to substitute seeing a qualified medical professional. It is merely a supplement.)