Myth: The mind and body are not connected
Psychosomatics, a branch of clinical psychology, studies the relationship between mental and somatic, or bodily, conditions and diseases. Currently, experts have no doubt that there is a connection between the psyche and the body, and they cannot be considered separately from each other.
The disease can be caused by three factors: biological (genetics, infections, injuries), psychological (stress, depression) and social (bad habits, environmental conditions).
All these factors are closely intertwined, and it is difficult to determine exactly when the disease was influenced by stress and when by genetic predisposition. In addition, these factors can only increase the likelihood of developing health problems, worsen symptoms, or complicate the course of the disease.
Myth: Awareness of emotions or processing of trauma can completely heal physical illnesses and prevent their occurrence
This myth is based on the illusion of complete control over one’s own health. Psychological conditions affect physical well-being, but are not the sole cause of disease. Psychotherapy and self-help can help relieve physical symptoms, but this only applies when a psychological condition is the underlying cause of the symptoms. A disease that has a significant physical component cannot be cured by simple awareness and forgiveness. Despite efforts and a positive attitude, the disease will not disappear.
Becoming aware of your emotions and working through internal conflicts can help reduce your likelihood of becoming chronically stressed and improve your mental well-being. However, mindfulness cannot prevent genetically determined diseases or the aging process of the body.
Myth: Somatic diseases always have mental causes. Cancer comes from repressed resentment, sore throat from unspoken words
According to this myth, negative experiences can lead to various diseases. However, there are no clear scientific studies confirming the connection of specific emotions with specific diseases. Each person’s experiences are so unique that they cannot be used for statistical analyses.
Myth: Health and illness are self-hypnosis
Although using self-hypnosis and leading a healthy lifestyle is important, it does not protect against aging or death. Blaming yourself or others for illnesses only makes the condition worse.
Myth: Psychosomatic illnesses do not exist
Psychosomatic illnesses do exist and have a significant impact on people’s lives. These diseases are not fiction or simulation and should be taken seriously. If a person has been suffering from the syndrome for a long time, doctors of traditional medicine shrug their shoulders and medications do not help – this is a reason to turn to a specialist who deals with psychosomatics. History knows many cases when working with the psyche helped get rid of a physical symptom.
