Sometimes physical pain has a symbolic meaning, and to understand this symbolism, it is essential to learn the language through which our bodies communicate with us. By interpreting the signals our bodies send, we can uncover the underlying emotional or psychological issues affecting our well-being.

Sylvia’s Story

Sylvia, a 35-year-old woman, is going through a challenging time with her family. She not only provides financial support to her parents but also takes care of them, especially her father, who has changed drastically following a stroke. The once loving and devoted father now seems like a stranger, becoming easily angered and aggressive, harassing both Sylvia and her mother.

Sylvia finds this behavior increasingly distressing, and as it repeats nearly every day, she begins to experience asthma attacks. Through therapy, Sylvia discovers that her father’s behavior is suffocating her emotionally, and her asthma symbolizes this struggle for breath.

When we feel unable to breathe freely due to emotional burdens, as Sylvia did, we may develop asthma. Living in a heavy, oppressive atmosphere can trigger this condition, whether due to family dynamics or work stress. Children with overprotective parents may also develop asthma as a physical manifestation of feeling smothered. As the renowned psychotherapist Valery Sinelnikov notes, asthmatics often find it difficult to cry, holding back tears and expressing their distress physically: “Asthma is a stifled sob… an attempt to express something that you cannot express in any other way.”

Despite our efforts to ignore or suppress stress, conflicts, and fears, our bodies remember and will eventually remind us. As Sigmund Freud once said, “If we kick the problem out the door, it returns in the form of a symptom through the window.”

Understanding Psychosomatic Disorders

A psychosomatic disorder, or psycho-physiological disorder, is an illness that connects the mind and body. Psychological stress can affect the body’s physiological functioning, causing or worsening existing diseases.

Etiology

While the exact cause of psychosomatic disorders is unknown, they are thought to result from hyperactivity of nerve impulses sent from the brain to other parts of the body. This can trigger the release of adrenaline, leading to anxiety. Several factors can contribute to psychosomatic disorders:

• Genetics: Certain genetic predispositions may increase the risk of developing these conditions.
• Biological Conditions: Changes in glucose metabolism and amino acid levels can contribute to the disorder.
• Stress: Experiencing trauma, abuse, illness, or loss can make individuals more susceptible.
• Family Dynamics: Parental absence or difficult relationships with relatives are significant factors.

Risk Factors and Examples

Psychosomatic disorders illustrate how psychological factors can influence medical conditions:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Chronic stress and family conflicts can lead to overeating and obesity. Valery Sinelnikov suggests that the body of diabetics signals a need to “make your life sweet” by finding joy and satisfaction.
• Cancer: Psychological stress may impact tumor growth and spread.
• Hypertension: Stress and bereavement can affect blood pressure levels.
• Atherosclerosis: Depression, anxiety, and stress are linked to coronary heart disease.
• Respiratory Problems: Emotional stress is a major factor in bronchial asthma.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Stressful life events can contribute to ulcers, with other factors like diet and genetics playing a role.

People with ulcers often display anxiety, vulnerability, and self-criticism, feeling “stuck” in life. As the saying goes, “It is not what you eat that causes an ulcer, but what eats you.”

Somatization and Its Impact

Somatization is the tendency to express psychological distress through physical symptoms. A study found that only 16% of 567 complaints had a clear physical cause, highlighting the prevalence of psychosomatic factors.

A psychosomatic disorder often reflects a coping mechanism through illness, manifesting when a person reaches their physical and emotional limits. Franz Alexander, the father of psychosomatics, identified seven classic psychosomatic diseases, which have expanded significantly over time.

Common Psychosomatic Diseases

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hypertension
• Ischemic heart disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stomach ulcer
• Bronchial asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Tension headaches
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Migraines
• Chronic pain

Treatment and Support

Not all physical illnesses signal mental trauma, but it’s important to consider the potential influence of stress or emotional conflict when a condition doesn’t respond to treatment. The psychodynamic approach offers a deep understanding of how unconscious processes and past experiences can influence physical health. This perspective suggests that unresolved emotions, often rooted in childhood experiences, can manifest as physical symptoms, a phenomenon known as psychosomatics.

As an experienced psychologist, I can guide you in exploring the connection between your physical symptoms and emotional stress. The psychodynamic approach involves uncovering and processing these unconscious conflicts to reduce their impact on your body. This might involve exploring patterns in your relationships, understanding your emotional responses, and recognizing how past experiences shape your current behavior and health.

Together, we can work on strategies to manage stress and improve your overall well-being. Techniques from the psychodynamic tradition, such as free association, dream analysis, and exploring transference, can provide insight into how emotional stressors contribute to physical symptoms. By bringing unconscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Understanding the psychosomatic connection can be transformative. It reveals how deeply intertwined our minds and bodies are, showing that physical symptoms can often serve as signals for underlying emotional distress. This perspective empowers you to take control of your health by addressing both the mind and the body. It opens up pathways for holistic healing, where emotional resolution leads to physical relief.

Remember, seeking help is a courageous step toward healing and living a more fulfilling life. Addressing emotional challenges not only enhances mental health but can also lead to significant improvements in physical health. By exploring these connections, you can foster a more harmonious relationship between your mind and body, ultimately enhancing your quality of life. The journey to uncover and heal these connections is deeply personal and can lead to profound self-discovery and growth. As you work through these layers of emotional understanding, you are taking important steps toward a healthier, more integrated self. Together, we can navigate this journey and work toward achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life.