UNDERSTANDING THE HIDDEN EFFECTS OF PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESSES

The Mind’s Secret Toll.

by Daria Bondarenko

When we think about health, we often separate the body and mind. But the field of psychosomatic medicine shows how our mental state and physical health are connected. This relationship can explain how unexpected, dramatic, and isolating events can cause illnesses. Let’s explore how these elements work together and affect our health.

According to Ryke Geerd Hamer, three main things often cause psychosomatic disorders: unexpectedness, tragic or dramatic events, and isolation. These things can greatly impact one’s health. For example, losing a job suddenly can be unexpected, emotionally heavy and isolating.

One common disorder linked to stress is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Imagine feeling constant anxiety about finding a new job. This ongoing stress can cause the body to react, leading to issues like IBS. When people find a new job and feel stable again, their bodies often recover, showing how stress affects our health. Today, the World Health Organization says that 38-42% of patients visiting general doctors have psychosomatic conditions.

Psychosomatic medicine combines medicine, physiology, psychology, and therapy to understand and treat illnesses affected by emotions and thoughts. This approach focuses on the patient’s overall life situation. Stress researcher Hans Selye defined stress as the body’s response to any demand. This response includes physical demands, like running up stairs, and psychological stress. Stress triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, releasing adrenaline, which prepares the body to confront or escape danger. Long-term stress can overwhelm the body’s ability to cope, leading to a third state—”freeze.”

Think about someone facing long-term financial problems. Some people might actively search for new opportunities (“fight”), some might feel stuck (“freeze”), and some might try to escape the stress temporarily (“flight”). This shows how stress affects both our minds and bodies. Stress during pregnancy can also affect both the mother and the developing baby. The mother’s health and emotions directly influence the baby through the mother-placenta-baby system. Negative experiences can disrupt normal development, leading to lifelong health issues. Emotional support and a stable environment are crucial for minimizing these risks.

The mind-body connection has always interested thinkers and doctors. Hippocrates and Aristotle were early thinkers in this area. But it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that this idea became scientifically important. German doctor Johann Christian Heinroth first used the term “psychosomatic therapy” in 1818. Later, Viennese psychoanalyst Felix Deutsch advanced in this field. His research made “psychosomatic medicine” a well-known term and led to many studies on how emotions and thoughts affect the body. Today, psychosomatic medicine is a recognized field that combines medicine, psychology, physiology, and therapy. It focuses on how emotions and thoughts can influence physical health, especially for chronic illnesses. The World Health Organization reports that many patients visiting general doctors have psychosomatic symptoms, showing the importance of this approach.

The link between emotional and physical health works both ways. Just as stress can cause physical symptoms, physical illnesses can affect emotional well-being. For example, chronic diseases like arthritis or diabetes can cause emotional stress, leading to anxiety and depression. Conversely, improving emotional health can often reduce physical symptoms. Coping mechanisms are crucial in how we handle stress and illness. Good coping strategies can lessen the impact of stress on physical health, while poor coping can worsen symptoms and lead to chronic issues. Developing healthy coping strategies is essential for managing both emotional and physical health.

As we learn more about the mind-body connection, the field of psychosomatic medicine is set to grow. Integrating its principles into regular medical practice can lead to better treatments and outcomes. This holistic approach recognizes the complex interactions between emotions and physical health, offering a more complete understanding of illness and wellness.