Philadelphia, PA – The relationship between physical and psychological health is a complex one. And it is now a fact shared by many scientists that psychological stress can affect the immune system, the body’s defense system against infection and disease.
Holidays, one would presume, should bring peacefulness, thanks and good cheer. However, for many, the holidays are perhaps the most stressful time of year, due to stressful situations arising with estranged family members, financial gift-giving pressures and overwhelming demands on our time. Additionally, one researcher has found that unforgiveness toward others-perhaps family members at the holidays-can further compromise our health.
Author, researcher and forgiveness expert Dr. Michael Barry has spent years conducting clinical research on the link between cancer and stress -namely the stress of negative emotions such as anger, bitterness and unforgiveness-and has found that our stressful relationships can play a part in our overall well-being, especially as those relationships are in the forefront during the holidays.
“It has not been proven,” Barry said, “that psychological stress actually causes cancer. But we do know that stress compromises our immune system and makes it harder for us to ward off disease. That is a known fact, as constant stress causes our bodies to produce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones raise our blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels, and have been shown to reduce the production of natural killer cells-the ‘foot soldiers’ in the fight against diseases like cancer.”
Through his years of in-depth medical, theological and sociological research and clinical experience, Dr. Barry made a significant discovery that the immune system and forgiveness are very much connected. Negative or stressful feelings can actually prevent physical healing within the body . He discovered that the disease of unforgiveness can impact every organ, and it is an emotional disorder that can be prevented, treated and cured if a person is open to forgiveness.
Although stress doesn’t necessarily cause cancer, researchers have suggested that psychological factors may affect cancer progression, such as an increase in tumor size or the spread of cancer throughout the body in patients who already have the disease. Psychological stress can be defined as the emotional and physiological reactions experienced when an individual confronts a situation in which the demands go beyond their coping resources. Examples can range from marital problems or the death of a loved one to abuse or financial crises.
Stress that is chronic can also increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression and various other illnesses. Stress also can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating, smoking or abusing drugs or alcohol, all which may affect cancer risk.
Barry has worked extensively with cancer patients, helping them to process emotions like resentment, anger, bitterness, stress and unforgiveness that may be thwarting their healing process. In his book The Forgiveness Project, Dr. Barry writes about the debilitating effects that negative emotions can have on our health. Through his forgiveness program, Release! The Healing Power of Forgiveness? , Barry helps patients work through the feelings that may be linked to physical issues in their bodies.
Barry is Director of Pastoral Care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America , where he specializes in the connection between spirituality and health. He has served in ministry for more than 20 years and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows around the country. He is the author of A Reason for Hope, A Season for Hope and The Art of Caregiving.
