Somatization is a phenomenon many of us experience without realizing it. It is the physical expression of psychological distress and you might know a case or have even experienced it yourself. Physical pains and discomforts that appear without a discernible medical explanation are more common than we think and significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them.
Understanding Somatization in Biodecoding
In the field of biodecoding, somatizing refers to how our emotions and internal conflicts manifest physically. Mairena Vázquez, a psychologist specializing in this area, explains that some people are more prone to somatization problems due to their emotional predisposition and life experiences. The most common symptoms include headaches, digestive issues and other physical discomforts that have no apparent medical cause.
What is Somatization?
Juvenal said: “Mental and physical health always go hand in hand.” The Royal Spanish Academy defines somatizing as involuntarily transforming psychological problems into organic symptoms. In other words, it is when the body expresses what the mind cannot process adequately.
Psychosomatic Illnesses
Psychosomatic illnesses are those in which stress, emotional problems, or negative emotions manifest as physical symptoms. In our daily lives, stress is a constant. We live in a fast-paced world, full of work and family pressures, often leading to high levels of anxiety, depression and other emotional issues.
These negative emotions (resentment, jealousy, envy, etc.) cause a series of physical symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal problems, affecting our work performance and social relationships.
Example of Somatization
To illustrate how somatization works, let’s put ourselves in Juan’s shoes. Juan has been experiencing stomach pains, diarrhea and gas, especially during periods of high stress in his work and family life. He works long hours to support his family and his family situation is tense due to constant fights with his siblings and parents. This accumulation of stress and negative emotions leads him to somatize his emotional problems in the form of physical symptoms.
When Emotions Can’t Be Expressed, They Are Somatized
Emotions that we cannot express healthily tend to manifest physically. Each person has weaker points in their body where tension accumulates. The body expresses the emotions we feel and when we cannot release them properly, they are somatized.
This means that the psychological conflict transfers to the body, allowing for resolution without psychological suffering. However, many people have difficulty accepting that their mind generates these symptoms, which complicates treatment when they are diagnosed and treated solely with medications, without considering the crucial role of psychotherapy.
Medications and Dependency
Using medications (painkillers, sedatives, etc.) to treat somatization symptoms can lead to dependency and, in some cases, worsen the problem. It’s essential to understand that medications can temporarily relieve symptoms but do not address the root of the emotional or psychological conflict.
Roberto Salazar, a specialized doctor, warns that listening to medical assessments without adequate understanding can lead to further somatization of symptoms. People start to worry and feel that their body is at risk, although the reality is that the likelihood of getting sick is low.
Treatment for Somatization
The treatment for somatization must be comprehensive, addressing both psychological and physical aspects. Biodecoding offers a valuable perspective, focusing on identifying and resolving the emotional conflicts behind physical symptoms. Mairena Vázquez suggests some keys to avoid somatizing:
- Recognition of Emotions: Be aware of our emotions and not repress them.
- Proper Expression: Find healthy ways to express what we feel, such as talking with a friend, playing a sport, or engaging in creative activities.
- Psychological Therapy: Seek professional support to work on emotional conflicts and learn stress management techniques.
- Self-care: Maintain a self-care routine that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
The Mind-Body Connection
Understanding the connection between the mind and the body is fundamental to effectively addressing somatization. Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked and taking care of one implies taking care of the other. It is crucial for people to be aware of this relationship and seek treatments that consider both aspects. Somatization is not simply a mental health problem but a manifestation of how our thoughts and emotions affect our physical well-being.
In summary, somatization is a way for our body to communicate when our mind is overloaded. Listening to these messages and addressing them with a holistic perspective can significantly improve our quality of life. Biodecoding offers valuable tools to understand and treat these issues, always reminding us that health begins in the mind.
With information from CogniFit Methodology and scientific references
