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How Repressed Emotions Affect Our Body - Psychosomatic Symptoms
The psychosomatic connection between the human body and mind has been known for centuries. When we suppress our emotions, whether due to fear, shame, or social pressures, we not only cause emotional burden but also significant changes in our body's physiology.
The biology of stress and emotions
Unexpressed emotions accumulate as mental burden, which often
translates into increased stress levels. Chronic stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that, in high amounts for prolonged periods, can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and cause other unwanted bodily reactions.
Connecting emotions with autoimmune diseases
Research suggests that repressing emotions can increase the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases. The immune system, which normally protects our bodies from external invaders, can overreact in situations of chronic stress. This can lead to inflammatory responses or even target healthy tissues in the body.
What emotions are associated with some common autoimmune diseases?
Rheumatoid arthritis : Often associated with chronically repressed anger and frustration.
Multiple sclerosis : Associated with feelings of helplessness, oppression, and deep inner sadness.
Psoriasis : Often observed in people with intense stress, feelings of shame or guilt.
Crohn's disease : May be associated with intense anxiety, fear, and feelings of threat.
Fibromyalgia : Associated with chronic stress, deep emotional fatigue, and unresolved traumatic experiences. Fibromyalgia symptoms, such as widespread pain and fatigue, can be exacerbated when a person lacks ways to express their feelings.
Acquired Diabetes : Associated with chronic exposure to stress, feelings of anxiety, and unresolved trauma. Chronic stress can affect blood sugar balance, causing long-term metabolic disorders.
Understanding these connections enables us to see illnesses as a way of expressing the individual's mental state.
The role of Synthetic Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy
Synthetic Psychotherapy is a holistic approach that combines different therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. In the context of autoimmune diseases, this approach helps the individual explore the emotional roots of the illness and develop strategies for better stress management.
Clinical Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, focuses on the subconscious process. Through deep relaxation, the individual can get in touch with emotions that are difficult to express consciously. This technique can help reduce stress, relieve psychosomatic symptoms, and enhance emotional balance.
Application examples:
A person with psoriasis can use hypnotherapy to manage feelings of shame and boost their self-esteem.
A patient with multiple sclerosis can work psychotherapeutically to reduce feelings of helplessness, developing a more positive attitude towards life.
A person with fibromyalgia may benefit from combination therapy to reduce the emotional and physical burden of the disease.
A person with acquired diabetes can benefit from stress management techniques to stabilize blood sugar and improve their overall health.
The importance of emotional expression
Expressing emotions is a key part of mental and physical health. When we talk about what we are feeling, whether to a trusted person or a mental health professional, we reduce stress levels, promote our emotional well-being, and prevent negative impacts on our health.
How to help yourself:
Self-observation : Give yourself space to observe your feelings without judgment.
Recording emotions : Writing in a journal helps connect with our inner world.
Psychotherapy : A professional can guide you in managing emotions and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms.
Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury. It is fundamental to our overall well-being. By understanding the connection between emotions and physical health, we can prevent the negative consequences of emotional repression.
Bibliography
Van Middendorp, H., et al. (2017). "Emotion Regulation and Autoimmune Diseases: A Review." Journal of Psychosomatic Research , 99, 13-21.
Sapolsky, RM (2004). Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers . New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Tennant, C. (2001). "Life Events, Stress and Depression: A Review of Recent Findings." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry , 36(2), 173-182.
Segerstrom, SC, & Miller, GE (2004). "Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry." Psychological Bulletin , 130(4), 601-630.
Schubert, C., & Fuchs, D. (2020). "The Impact of Stress on Autoimmune Disease." Frontiers in Immunology , 11, 1231.
Black, PH (2003). "The Inflammatory Consequences of Psychological Stress: Relationship to Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Atherosclerosis and Diabetes Mellitus." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences , 1031(1), 131-151.
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