The "physical and mental shackles" hidden behind the stars: Let you understand depression and somatic diseases

Behind the glamorous entertainment industry, celebrities also face pressures and challenges that ordinary people can hardly imagine. Recently, a well-known actress disclosed her experience of struggling with depression and somatization, which has aroused widespread social attention and discussion. This disease is not just a low mood. When it is accompanied by somatization, its complexity and hiddenness require our in-depth understanding, as well as its impact on the quality of life of individuals.

Depression itself is a common mental disorder, characterized by a significant and persistent low mood. Patients often lose the joy of life, blame themselves, and even have suicidal thoughts.

Somatization refers to emotional disorders that are originally caused by psychological problems, but manifest themselves in various physical symptoms, such as unexplained headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, fatigue, insomnia, etc. These symptoms recur repeatedly, but it is difficult to find the exact physiological cause in medical examinations.

When depression is accompanied by somatization, the two interact with each other, forming a vicious cycle. Depressive emotions aggravate the perception of physical symptoms, while physical discomfort further worsens the psychological state. From a physiological mechanism point of view, long-term stress and negative emotions can lead to dysfunction of the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system.

For example, the disorder of the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol may affect the normal peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of digestive juices, thereby causing digestive system symptoms such as stomach pain and bloating; the imbalance of neurotransmitters can also interfere with the body's pain signal transmission, making patients more sensitive to pain.

The harm of this situation is multifaceted. The patient's quality of life is seriously reduced, and physical discomfort makes it difficult for them to work, study and socialize normally. Interpersonal relationships gradually become alienated, which in turn aggravates loneliness and self-denial. At the same time, due to the hidden nature of the symptoms, patients may go to various departments for physical examinations, which not only consumes a lot of medical resources, but also may delay the correct treatment time.

For people who are suspected of having depression with somatization, correct diagnosis is crucial. Neurologists will make a comprehensive assessment based on the patient's physical symptoms, emotional state, life experience, family history and other factors to avoid treating the patient solely from the perspective of physical illness.

Treatment is usually a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Medication can relieve depressive symptoms and reduce physical discomfort; psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps patients identify and change negative thinking patterns and coping methods; in terms of lifestyle, regular work and rest, moderate exercise, healthy diet, and cultivating interests and hobbies can all help improve the overall condition.

The female star's brave voice is not only a concern for individual health, but also a reflection on the mental health of the entire society. Everyone may experience emotional fluctuations, but understanding and paying attention to psychological problems is the first step towards health.

In this fast-paced, high-pressure society, we should learn to pay attention to our mental health. When facing depression and somatization, we should no longer be afraid and confused, but bravely seek help and support. At the same time, people around us should also be more understanding and tolerant of others, and work together to create a healthier and more harmonious social environment. The society should provide more platforms and resources to help those in psychological difficulties seek professional support and help.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Chen Pei, Publicity Department, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital), Ye Xiangxiang, Department of Neurology (female), Somatic Diseases

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(Edited by YT)