PPDA Patient Interviews:
Aoife McCormack

Summary:


David Clarke MD interviews Aoife McCormack, a mind-body coach (aoifemindbody.com) who shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic symptoms. From a young age, Aoife experienced stomach and bowel problems, pain, and fevers with no clear medical explanation. Despite seeking help from medical clinicians, alternative health practitioners, and mental health professionals her symptoms worsened over the years, leading to a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. However, it wasn't until she discovered the mind-body connection that she began to find relief.

Aoife explains that the missing piece of the puzzle for her was understanding the biology of stress and how it affects the body. She realized that her symptoms were a result of chronic stress and that she could reverse their effects by changing her thoughts, emotions, and responses to life. By addressing her self-esteem, perfectionism, and high expectations of herself and others, Aoife was able to transform her life and regain her health.

Key Takeaways

  1. Chronic symptoms can be caused by stress and unresolved emotional issues.

  2. Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for healing and recovery.

  3. Changing self-esteem and self-talk can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

  4. Reconnecting with joy and engaging in activities that bring happiness is essential for healing.

  5. Recognizing and addressing patterns of self-abuse and negative thought patterns is key to overcoming chronic symptoms.

Quotes:

  • "The missing piece of the puzzle for me was understanding the biology of stress and how it affects the body." - Aoife

  • "When you can change the vantage or change the lens, you can see there are things for you to be truly, truly proud of yourself for." - Aoife

  • "It's not the debilitating, chronic, mysterious, helpless hope that it was of the past. It's just information." - Aoife

  • "Reengaging with joy and the things you love rebuilds your life and helps you regain your health." - Aoife

Want to learn more?

Common PPD Symptoms Guide

Still curious? Browse our guide to common Psychophysiologic Disorders (PPD). It is important to recognize that PPD symptoms manifest uniquely in every individual; however, certain manifestations of PPD are more common than others and they are the subject of this page.