Sometimes we feel physical pain that reflects a psychological malaise. This is called somatization.

Guest article written by Fifty & Me Magazine

The physical expression of psychological suffering.

We can't always put into words what we feel... Following a shock, a trauma, a bereavement or a stress, some people contract illnesses repeatedly, without any apparent reason. Others experience back or throat pain, for example. Insomnia and skin rashes are also quite common.

A relationship has also been established between somatization and people diagnosed with depression. 10-30% of patients would also suffer from physical symptoms, including chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, etc.

Symptoms that speak volumes...

For every evil, there is a reason. Here are some of them:

• Pain in the legs, feet or ankles may reflect a fear of the future, difficulty in moving forward or simply a strong need to "get off the couch.
• A sore throat or angina can be the result of not daring to say something, of swallowing it.
• The liver represents anger, changes and adaptations: it manifests itself when we do not adapt to a new situation or when we repress our anger.
• If our thyroid gland is a problem, we are in a bind, feeling stuck and not being allowed to express ourselves. A sense of injustice.
• Eczema is caused by high anxiety, difficulty expressing oneself or a break in contact with a loved one.

Julie, 54 years old, explains: "I lost my father when I was 14, without being able to say goodbye. I then experienced several months of repeated illnesses. First I had mononucleosis, then a cascade of sore throats, I couldn't cope. The worst was when cysts appeared everywhere, on my face, but also in my throat. It prevented me from eating and talking. The doctor identified a staphylococcus aureus. I was catching everything because I had no immune system. A few months ago, I went to see an energetic therapist who I had heard good things about. During the session, I felt the same pain in my throat as when I was ill. I found myself unable to speak again. It doesn't take a genius to understand that this pain echoes my inability to talk about my father. I never discuss it with anyone. "

Marc, 47 years old, had asthma attacks: "I was literally suffocating. Almost every night I would wake up with a start, gasping for breath. I was going out a lot at that time, drinking and smoking a lot. My body was telling me that I was not happy, that my life was 'toxic' for me. I decided to take a step back, to be less self-centered, to slow down. It was a big job. Clearing my mind was beneficial. In fact, I haven't had a single seizure in months. "

How do you get better?

This phenomenon is not to be taken lightly. It is essential to find the source of the problem to remedy it. It makes the disease listen since the "evil has spoken". When the discomfort is deep-rooted, a solution can be psychotherapy which will allow us to verbalize what we feel deep inside. It can also help to understand the psychic patterns and certain beliefs that lead to somatization in order to stop its development.

Sophrology (dynamic relaxation method) is also a good way to get better, as is meditation and the relaxation. Acupuncture and osteopathy also have many positive effects. Listen to yourself!