Shailene Woodley recently opened up about the health issues she faced in her twenties, attributing her journey back to wellness to intense mental and spiritual work. During a podcast appearance on SHE MD, Woodley shared the frightening symptoms she experienced, including hearing loss, inability to walk for more than five minutes, and stomach pain after eating.
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Despite visiting multiple doctors, Woodley’s health issues remained undiagnosed as she battled various symptoms that affected her daily life. While she refrained from discussing the cause of her illness, she emphasized seeking help from both traditional medical professionals and holistic healers.
Woodley’s health challenges led to struggles with her body image and overall well-being, causing her to question her relationship with food and experience body dysmorphia and identity confusion. After a decade of healing and self-discovery, Woodley found her way back to wellness, crediting both physical resolution of her medical issues and deep introspection as key components of her healing journey.
Reflecting on the mind-body connection, Woodley highlighted the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health. She emphasized the impact of trauma and PTSD on her overall well-being, acknowledging the toll they took on her body and emotional state.
Woodley shared how stress and a constant state of fight or flight affected her physical health, emphasizing the need for establishing a sense of safety and calm within oneself. Through therapy and discipline, she embarked on a journey of healing that focused on addressing her trauma and creating a sense of inner security.
Woodley’s story underscores the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, a relationship that has gained greater recognition in recent years. Stress, trauma, and mental health issues can manifest in physical symptoms, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to well-being.
Woodley’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the healing potential found in addressing both mental and physical health, and the transformative impact of introspection and self-discovery on overall well-being.
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