Addiction Addictive Behaviors Print How Emotional Pain Affects Your Body By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 29, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 29, 2019 More in Addiction Addictive Behaviors Caffeine Internet Shopping Sex Alcohol Use Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery While emotional pain is often dismissed as being less serious than physical pain, it is important that it is taken seriously. Here are four common feelings associated with emotional pain that can impact your health. Sadness Caiaimage/Getty Images Sadness is a natural emotion that is associated with loss and disappointment. However if it doesn't fade with time, it might reflect a treatable condition, depression, that can impact your whole body. If sadness lasts for more than just a few days and impacts your daily life, it may be necessary to seek out medical intervention. You should consult with your doctor and be completely honest about any alcohol or drugs you have been using to cope and self-medicate. Unexpressed Anger Guido Mieth/DigitalVision/Getty Images Anger is a basic human emotion. It releases adrenaline, which increases muscle tension and speeds up breathing. This is the ‘fight’ part of the “fight/flight/freeze” response. It can be mobilizing, however if its not adequately coped with, this response can lead to long-term physical consequences. Anxiety Mixmike/E+/Getty Images As with anger, anxiety, worry or fear releases adrenaline. This generally results in jumpiness, a tendency to startle easily, the inability to relax (the "flight" part of the "flight/flight/freeze" response, or a feeling of being immobilized or stuck (the “freeze” part of the “fight/flight/freeze” response). In some people, anxiety is a symptom of an anxiety disorder, and psychotherapy or prescription medication can help. Anxiety can be induced by alcohol or drugs, and quitting alcohol and drugs can often improve the symptoms. Tell your doctor about any alcohol or drug use to ensure you are properly diagnosed and treated. Shame / Guilt Jacqueline Veissid/The Image Bank/Getty Images Shame and guilt often result in a feeling of “butterflies” or weight in the stomach. Common among people with addictions, shame leads to and is worsened by the need for secrecy. If not reduced, prolonged feelings of shame and guilt can lead to physical symptoms. How To Improve Your Psychological Well-Being Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Slavin-Spenny O, Lumley MA, Thakur ER, Nevedal DC, Hijazi AM. Effects of anger awareness and expression training versus relaxation training on headaches: a randomized trial. Ann Behav Med. 2013;46(2):181-92. doi:10.1007/s12160-013-9500-z Gale C, Davidson O. Generalised anxiety disorder. BMJ. 2007;334(7593):579-81. doi:10.1136/bmj.39133.559282.BE Smith JP, Randall CL. Anxiety and alcohol use disorders: comorbidity and treatment considerations. Alcohol Res. 2012;34(4):414-31. Dolezal L, Lyons B. Health-related shame: an affective determinant of health? Med Humanit. 2017;43(4):257-263. doi:10.1136/medhum-2017-011186 Dickerson SS, Kemeny ME, Aziz N, Kim KH, Fahey JL. Immunological effects of induced shame and guilt. Psychosom Med. 2004;66(1):124-31. doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000097338.75454.29 Additional Reading Caudill, M. Managing Pain Before it Manages You. Third Edition. New York: Guildford. 2009. Sadler, J. Pain Relief Without Drugs: A Self-Help Guide for Chronic Pain and Trauma. Third Edition. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press. 2007.