Diseases Born from Fear — The Mirror of Psychosomatics

S – Social Perspective: The Body Doesn’t Stay Silent — It Speaks Through Fear
When a person is afraid, it’s not just their heart that races or their hands that tremble. Every cell in the body remembers that fear. Sometimes, unspoken emotions, years of internal tension, shame, or isolation manifest as illness.

Society often sends messages like:
“Stay strong,”
“Men don’t cry,”
“Calm down, it’ll pass.”

As a result:

• We ignore what the body is trying to say,

• We silence the cries of the soul,

• We push fear deep inside.

But the body doesn’t forget.
Every suppressed fear can turn into acid reflux, headaches, heart arrhythmias, or skin conditions.

Patients often say:

• “Doctors can’t find anything, but my body is telling me something.”

• “My stomach pain starts with anxiety.”

• “Whenever I’m stressed, I can’t breathe.”

These statements lead us to the field of psychosomatics — the mirror of the soul in the body.

A – Academic Perspective: What Is Psychosomatics and How Does It Work?
Psychosomatics is the study of how psychological factors affect physical health. Scientific research shows that long-term emotional strain — especially fear — directly impacts human organs and systems.

1. Fear and the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis)
   During fear, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones activate the body's defense systems, but if this condition becomes chronic:

• The immune system weakens

• Inflammation increases

• The cardiovascular system becomes strained

2. Diseases Related to Fear

• Gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, colitis): fear disrupts digestive function.

• Asthma: often linked to fear of suffocation and inability to express oneself.

• Panic attacks: physical eruptions of invisible fear.

• Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis): manifestations of shame and social anxiety.

• Insomnia: fears prevent the body from relaxing during sleep.

3. Fear and Memory
   The amygdala, a part of the brain, processes fear.
   During trauma, it becomes hyperactive, causing the body to constantly feel threatened.

4. “Unresolved Fear” Syndrome
   In this condition, a person unconsciously expresses fear through physical symptoms.
   Doctors may find no medical diagnosis, but the patient still suffers.

İ – Societal Perspective: How Society Views Fear
Fear is a natural instinct.
But expressing it is often seen as a weakness.
This leads people to remain silent — and speak through the body instead.

1. Emotional Taboos
   Saying “I’m afraid” is almost like admitting defeat.
   So people “speak” their fear through illness and physical pain.

2. Social Isolation
   When no clear cause for illness is found, the patient may be labeled:
   “too sensitive,” or
   “just fussy.”
   But deep inside, they may be enduring psychological torment.

3. Media and Information Pressure
   Constant exposure to frightening health news creates subconscious “illness anticipation.”
   The person starts experiencing real symptoms.

4. Lack of Psychological Support
   Going to a psychologist is still equated with being “crazy.”
   People withdraw and begin to let their body do the talking.

T – Scientific Perspective: The Physiological Manifestations of Fear
Recent studies show that fear is not just an emotion — it causes real changes in the body.

1. Harvard Stress Research (2022)
   Fear increases heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension by 15–30%.
   If this persists, it can lead to chronic cardiovascular issues.

2. WHO Psychosomatic Report
   40% of people with depression or anxiety disorders experience physical symptoms that medical diagnostics cannot explain.

3. Stanford Neuroscience of Fear Study
   Fear creates hypersensitivity in the brain’s neural networks — causing exaggerated bodily reactions.

4. Gabor Maté’s Perspective
   “Unhealed fear moves into the body.”
   This idea is explored in his book “When the Body Says No”, where he outlines the spiritual dimension of psychosomatics.

Conclusion: The Body Sometimes Speaks Fear Because the Tongue Stays Silent
Not all illnesses start in organs.
Some are born in silence.
Fear that cannot be voiced can itch the skin, squeeze the stomach, or exhaust the heart.

That’s why:

• It’s important to recognize early signals from the body

• Don’t just say “It’ll pass” — name and acknowledge the fear

• Medical help should be paired with psychological support

• Listen to your body with compassion, not judgment — this is the path to healing

Remember:
If fear doesn’t speak, the body will.
And sometimes, the body is a poet that never stops reciting.