Psychosomatics of anemia in children and adults

It’s important to understand that anemia can also develop as a result of emotional and mental health issues. Anemia is commonly thought of as a physical condition brought on by a lack of nutrients or other medical conditions. Psychosomatics, the study of the relationship between the mind and body, clarifies how psychological problems and emotional stress can cause anemia in both adults and children.

Anemia in children can be caused by emotional distress or family conflicts, so it’s important to treat the child’s emotional health in addition to their physical symptoms. Adults who experience ongoing stress or emotional difficulties may also discover that these problems have an adverse effect on their physical health, which can result in diseases like anemia.

A more holistic approach to treatment that takes into account the body’s healing process as well as the mind can be developed with an understanding of the psychosomatic aspects of anemia. Let’s examine the ways in which psychological and emotional factors can impact anemia and discuss strategies for addressing these underlying causes.

Aspect Children Adults
Emotional Impact Children with anemia may feel irritable, tired, and have difficulty concentrating, leading to frustration and mood swings. Adults often experience fatigue, depression, and anxiety, which can affect their daily life and work performance.
Psychological Symptoms Children might show signs of withdrawal or decreased social interactions. Adults may experience feelings of hopelessness or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Behavioral Changes Behavioral issues in children can include aggressive outbursts or withdrawal from activities. Adults might display increased stress or avoid social interactions due to their condition.
Coping Strategies Support from family, understanding the condition, and gradual lifestyle changes help children cope. Adults benefit from therapy, support groups, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.

General information about the disease

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin protein in the blood, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are often in lower numbers when hemoglobin levels are low.

Anemia can show up as severe pallor, a fast heartbeat, or rapid breathing. Anemia causes a person to fatigue more quickly, frequently lose strength even after light exercise, and sometimes even complain of headaches and ringing in the ears.

There are numerous forms of anemia, but the primary ones can be identified by the cause of the pathological condition’s development:

  • iron deficiency (with a lack of iron);
  • aplastic (with a small number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow);
  • hemolytic (with abnormal destruction of red blood cells);
  • cellular (hereditary);
  • posthemorrhagic (in a condition after heavy blood loss during surgery or injury);
  • mixed (due to several factors at the same time).

The most frequent and likely causes of a pathological blood condition include malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, intestinal issues resulting in inadequate or absent iron absorption in the small intestine, and overall body exhaustion, including nervous system disorders.

Pregnant women and adolescents during their active growth periods are the most common populations affected by anemia.

There are also various phases and intensities of severity identified. The ranges for normal hemoglobin levels are 110–120 g/l in children, 130–160 g/l in men, 120–140 g/l in non-pregnant women, and 110 g/l in pregnant women.

Psychosomatic causes

Blood disease psychosomatics is relatively straightforward. From the perspective of psychosomatic medicine, which examines the psychological component of some human pathologies in addition to physiology and anatomy, blood represents happiness. Blood circulation is enhanced by this positive emotion, and happy people feel happier and healthier. The blood vessel network allows blood to flow continuously, providing the body’s cells with much-needed oxygen and nutrients. There are issues with joy if there are issues with blood.

Blood also represents kinship and clan. Additionally, circulatory system issues may be a sign of family issues, which rob happiness from a person.

After speaking with anemic patients, psychologists and psychoanalysts concluded that individuals with anemia, for whatever reason, do not live life to the fullest, do not breathe deeply, frequently deprive themselves of everything, and sacrifice themselves. Of course, there are instances when people act honorably—for the good of others, typically blood relatives—but the end effect is still the same: a person lives, serves others, carefully conceals his own needs and desires, and yet genuinely believes that his life is boring, without charm or enjoyable experiences.

Typical anemia patients frequently postpone their dreams, ambitions, and desires "for later," realizing most of the time that they will probably never be able to fulfill them.

A clear example is a woman who gives everything to her children, husband, works, runs a household, denies herself the purchase of things, cosmetics, jewelry, and sometimes even decent food, living by the principle of "all the best for children". There are such men, but rarely. And therefore, anemia, as confirmed by medical statistics, is more often found in women. From here it is easy to trace the origin of anemia in pregnant women – while expecting a child, women forbid themselves some "joys", for example, a glass of wine, cake; they constantly remember that they eat and drink not only for themselves, but also for the child. As a result, some prohibitions, if there are many of them, cause an anemic state.

A lack of positive emotions, including self-doubt, is closely linked to anemia in children and adolescents. In some cases, this relationship even exists in adults who are parenting a child. Anemia is more common in children who believe they are bad because they are frequently pulled up, chastised, and scolded than in other children.

Comprehending the psychosomatics of anemia illuminates the ways in which emotional and psychological elements can influence individuals with this illness, regardless of age. Anemia is more than just a physical condition; it is frequently associated with emotional, psychological, and stressful events that can worsen symptoms and impair general health. A more comprehensive approach to managing anemia and enhancing quality of life may result from addressing these psychological factors in addition to conventional treatments.

Opinion of researchers

Psychosomatist and author Louise Hay pointed out that being devoid of joy in a particular circumstance is not the same as being devoid of joy overall as a personal characteristic. Anyone can become agitated. However, an optimist will soon gather himself and resume enjoying life—at least the little things. Psychosomatic anemia typically does not develop in such individuals. Furthermore, those who are unable to rejoice are more likely to become anemic, and even in happy occasions they do not get the same rush of happiness and adrenaline; instead, they are more likely to suffer from habitual suffering.

Anemia causes a person to almost completely lose their desires in addition to their joy, according to Canadian psychologist and researcher Liz Burbo. He usually finds it difficult to respond when you ask him what he would most like. These are a depressingly prone kind of people.

Russian psychologist Elena Guskova claims that in the causes of childhood anemia one should always look for a parental factor of influence: usually the child devalues ​​himself, does not love himself and considers himself bad because of too strict or biased attitude on the part of adults – mom, dad, grandmother. Teenagers with psychosomatic anemia claim that they do not trust their family, there is no support from relatives, but there is a deep conviction that it is impossible to solve their problems on their own. This is how an internal conflict develops, which, on the one hand, encourages the teenager to get closer to his family in order to enlist support; on the other hand, there is a fear of being rejected, misunderstood.

Knowing the link between anemia and psychosomatics enables us to acknowledge the substantial influence that mental and emotional health can have on our physical health. Anemia is a physical symptom of stress, unresolved emotions, and psychological difficulties that can affect both adults and children.

Resolving these underlying problems via counseling, self-awareness, and supportive settings can be extremely important in controlling and avoiding anemia. For a holistic approach to healing, it’s critical to consider both emotional and physical health issues.

Assuring better health for adults and children alike, you can prevent and manage anemia more successfully by promoting a balanced and stress-free lifestyle.

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Anna Petrova

Child psychologist with 10 years of experience. I work with children and parents, helping to understand the intricacies of upbringing, psycho-emotional development and the formation of healthy relationships in the family. I strive to share useful tips so that every child feels happy and loved.

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