Unfortunate Circumstances: An Overlooked Determinant of Health(Part of the NAUTIE HORMONES Model)
- Dr Michael Elliott MSc, D.C., CFMP.
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
When we think of health, most people focus on nutrition, exercise, or genetics. Yet one of the most profound — and often overlooked — determinants of health is what I call “Unfortunate Circumstances” within my NAUTIE HORMONES framework of health determinants.
What Do We Mean by “Unfortunate Circumstances”?
Life presents challenges beyond our control — loss of a job, relationship breakdowns, natural disasters, unexpected illness, or caregiving burdens. These circumstances may feel temporary, but their physiological imprint can be long-lasting.
Chronic exposure to stress from unfortunate circumstances can:
Disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms
Elevate cortisol and impair hormone balance
Increase inflammation
Contribute to depression, anxiety, or substance misuse
Diminish resilience and coping resources
Why Is It Overlooked?
Healthcare often emphasizes individual choice: eat better, exercise more, reduce stress. Yet life events outside a person’s control — divorce, job insecurity, bereavement — are rarely considered in the clinical picture. Ignoring these leaves a gap in treatment and can unintentionally place blame on the patient for outcomes largely shaped by circumstance.
Five Key Strategies for Addressing Unfortunate Circumstances
Acknowledge and Validate
Recognize that adverse life events can profoundly impact health. Simply validating a patient’s experience can reduce shame and increase trust.
Build Stress-Buffering Habits
Encourage daily routines that counterbalance stress — such as mindfulness practice, gentle exercise, journaling, or deep breathing techniques.
Strengthen Social Support
Social connection is protective. Reaching out to friends, joining community groups, or seeking peer support reduces isolation and fosters resilience.
Professional Guidance
Referral to counsellors, psychologists, or support services provides structured coping tools and safe spaces for emotional processing.
Reframe and Empower
Work with patients to identify aspects of life they can control — nutrition, sleep hygiene, self-care rituals. Small wins build agency, even when larger circumstances feel overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunate Circumstances are not a weakness — they are part of being human. Within the NAUTIE HORMONES model, recognizing and addressing them can transform how we understand health. By shifting the conversation from blame to resilience, we empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and compassion.
