Psychological discomfort can be transferred to the body in the form of physical illnesses. This phenomenon is called somatize and it is due to the close relationship that exists between the mind and the body.
Somatization is so common that most of us have experienced it at some point in our lives. A fairly common example is the harmful effect produced by fatigue constant in the immune system, which makes us more prone to infections.
What is somatization?
Somatizing is the bodily expression of psychological discomfort. In this case, unresolved emotional conflicts are displaced and expressed through physical discomfort.
The emotional issues that usually cause the most somatization are stress and anxiety. When they are not regulated effectively, they express themselves in bodily ailments.
This phenomenon is usually diagnosed when the person goes to the doctor, but no organic cause can be identified. In these cases, the specialist raises the possibility of somatization.
The most common physical problems or symptoms in somatization are as follows:
- Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, food intolerances, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
- sexual: loss of sexual appetite, impotence and irregularity during menstruation.
- respiratory and cardiac: chest pains, tachycardia and feeling of suffocation.
- neurological: headache, body aches, fainting, feeling of a lump in throat.
6 tips to stop somatizing
The organic damage from somatization can be serious or cause more serious medical problems. Likewise, the psychological discomfort experienced does not disappear. Therefore, it is essential to avoid this dynamic.
1. Identify negative emotions
Somatization is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. It is a wake-up call that we must not ignore.. Usually, this mechanism occurs when we let go of the negative emotions we experience on a daily basis.
Before the body gives us warning signals, it’s important to attack the root of the problem. For this, it is essential to be aware of emotions and to name them.
Once identified, think about their causes. What situations arouse these emotions in me? Then we can look for healthier alternatives.
2. Take care of your body
The mind/body relationship is not manifested only by somatizing. Physical condition also affects mental well-being.
Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to corporality. For this, the establishment of healthy habits is one of the best alternatives to avoid somatization.
3. Perform breathing exercises
Breathing slowly and deeply is one of the best ways to deal with stressful or anxious situations. You can place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest, while inhaling and exhaling slowly.
Try to leave your mind blank. Just pay attention to each breath and, if you like, the sensations in your body. Try to relax all your muscles.
4. Incorporate relaxation exercises into your routine
Don’t wait until you feel groggy to try to relax. Instead, incorporate activities into your routine that promote relaxation and a healthy balance between mind and body. You don’t have to spend a lot of time on them; With just 15 minutes a day you will start to notice its benefits.
Some relaxing activities are meditation, yoga, mindful breathing exercises, or a simple walk in a quiet place. The key is not in the type of technique, but in repetition and consistency.
5. Make your thinking flexible
Take a flexible stance in the face of changes and unforeseen events. For this, it is important to be aware that we cannot control everything that happens.
Begin to recognize and separate life’s issues, considering which ones are external and not within our control; and which ones we can control. Being aware of this allows us to face and overcome difficult situations in a healthier way.
6. Seek help from a specialist
Most of us somatize at some point. However, there are people who somatize recurrently and with serious health consequences.
The ideal thing is to recognize that something is wrong and so we need the support of a professional to manage our emotions. Psychological therapy will provide us with the necessary strategies.
Somatization has consequences
The fact that there is no physical cause causing physical discomfort it does not mean that what the person suffers from is not real. Nor is it invented.
Was checked that somatization produces organic damage. These must be treated with the seriousness and commitment that every disease deserves.
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