The Viscera, Emotion, and Sense of Self

When we feel unwell, depressed, angry, or afraid, we naturally assume there must be a psychological reason. In other words, we tend to believe that the “brain” and mind have been affected, and we search for explanations there.

However, recent research suggests that we are far more biological—indeed, more animal-like—than we often assume. The sensations we experience in our internal organs and body help generate our emotions and shape the way we perceive who we are.

For example, when we experience severe stress, the brain sends signals to various organs. When we sense tension or danger, signals are sent to the gastrointestinal tract to suppress digestion while directing more blood flow to organs needed to cope with the stress. As a result, the stomach may feel tight or painful, the intestines may produce sounds, gas may accumulate, or diarrhea may occur. The heart begins to race, and the lungs shift into rapid breathing, which can lead to dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and anxiety.

During strong instinctive or emotional states, the brain immediately influences the internal organs. At the same time, the sensations perceived by the viscera are transmitted back to the brain and become part of the emotional experience. When these responses are repeated multiple times, a person may unconsciously return to previously experienced states of stress whenever similar bodily sensations arise—such as stomach discomfort or bloating. Impaired digestion or diarrhea activates neural signals from the colon to the brain, which may then evoke earlier memories of anxiety or fear.

Repeated patterns like these gradually shape our sense of self—our implicit identity. Thoughts such as “I am too anxious to handle this,” or “No one likes someone as depressed as I am,” may begin to take hold.

Recognizing that visceral sensations form the foundation of our emotional life and sense of self highlights how important it is to regulate everyday bodily functions, environment, and diet for mental well-being.

Consider, for example, patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), whose symptoms resemble those described above. These individuals frequently experience abdominal pressure, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, and they also have higher rates of phobias, anxiety disorders, and depression. Because physical sensations and emotional states are deeply intertwined, treating only the gut or only the psyche is often insufficient. When appropriate nutrition tailored to the patient’s intestinal condition and constitution is combined with suitable physical activity that restores healthy bodily awareness, the individual can develop greater resilience and move toward recovery.