All moms know it, that
feeling of fear and helplessness when their baby is in trouble. We then place
our children in the hands of doctors or healers. But what if they can't figure
anything out? What if repeated colds, tummy aches or headaches, or even more
serious problems, don't have a physiological explanation? And if they have it,
then why is it that your child suffers such unpleasantness? And if you're
considering whether it's possible for your child to simulate, believe that
psychosomatization is much more common in children.
Psychosomatics, what is it?
The word psychosomatics connects two systems,
body and soul, which are taken in this area as one complex. This field focus on
to find the cause of health (physiological) problems in psychosocial factors.
40% of patients don't find the physiological cause of their health problems and
conventional treatment doesn't help them. That's why it is appropriate to look
for causes in their psyche and in the current life situation. In unresolved
difficult life periods and situations, an individual can so-called somatize. It
is an expression of internal pressure from an unresolved health problem.
Psychosomatics and children
In children, somatization occurs very frequently. It is reported that more often than in adults. Children are not yet as proficient in vocabulary and do not have as much experience, therefore they cannot express their problems verbally, therefore they will manifest themselves on the body. Children also cannot process negative feelings and emotions, so we cannot expect them to playfully cope with stress, anxiety or negative thoughts.
Do you have any
idea what psychosomatic manifestations you may encounter most often? These are
mainly the aforementioned headaches and tummies, but also vomiting, anorexia or
various skin conditions. Also, a long or repeated cold can mean something, be
sure not to brush such problems under the carpet.
Children are
very sensitive, often passing on the problems of their loved ones, even though
adults often think they hide their troubles well. Other triggers can be
problems at school, excessive demands on the child, a bad family atmosphere,
long-unresolved disputes or a parent's divorce. All of this is perceived by the
child, but each child then reacts differently, the child's personality,
upbringing and ability to express emotions play a role. But what we can say for
sure, the influence of psychosomatics is often greatly underestimated.
Specific problems of children and possible causes
Surely,
we cannot say that there is only one reason behind the ailment. The causes
and reactions to different situations are very individual, so it is always
better to look for some professional who will take care of the child
individually. But let's see possible causes of some of the problems.
Headache
Headache is often appeared in
children. If we look at it from the perspective of psychosomatics, it appears
in children who are deeply desirous of appreciation, are action and they can't
just have a rest and simply switch off. They have a so-called "full
head". Pain can be a message that a child should really have some rest.
Cough and other
diseases of the upper tract
These
children do not express their emotions enough, especially the anger, which
subsequently compensates for cough. If the child has negative emotions, the
breath is shallower. Then the anxiety brings with it irregular and shallow
breathing. Chronic cough can be cause by maternal dependence or family
conflicts.
Constipation
This problem can
occur in children with anxiety with depression or in social isolation. In this
way, the child can express the need for someone to take care of him and love
him. It can also be a reaction to the separation of the parents, the child
clearly "can't digest it".
Frequent hiccups
It can occur in
children whose parents often treat them unpredictably. Once very positively and
then suddenly very negatively, such as alternating excessive severity and
benevolence. It causes confusion and uncertainty in the child because he/she
doesn't know what's gonna come.
Diseases of the heart and vessels
These diseases
can be caused by anxiety, which come from too high demands from parents or
teachers. Then the children want to meet
expectations at all costs, but sometimes it is beyond their power.
Skin disease
It is easy here.
Skin problems can symbolize an unsatisfied desire for touch. The skin mediates
our contact with the environment, that‘s why the lack is expressed through it.
When the general doctor doesn't help
It
can happen that even repeated visits to the doctor and prescribed medications
don't work for your child, the problems keep coming back in various forms. In
this situation, it is advisable to think about a psychosomatic visit.
This expert will not only be interested in the physical condition, but
also in human as a whole. He will be interested in the child's life story in
all aspects that may currently affect his psyche and health, in his feelings
and moods. He will not be only interested in repelling the symptoms,
but he will look for the causes of the child's ailments.
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