Somatization disorder (also Briquet's syndrome) is a mental disorder described by recurring, multiple, and current, clinically significant complaints about somatic symptoms, although it is no longer considered a clinical diagnosis. It is a mental disorder, persay. One that drains you mentally and physically. Those that have it, aren't making up their symptoms; they usually are manifested in the mind and made worse through hypochondria, stress, and anxiety. I suffer from this disorder, and I can tell you first hand it really holds you back.
It all began during my childhood. I remember being OCD about germs, never drinking from the same 2 liter or gallon of milk as my family, alwahs worried I'd die because I had steak without washing my hands, and so forth. As I grew, it progressed. As I assumed more responsibility, I began coping with mental stress by manifesting it in physical symptoms that didn't exist. Initially, it was dizziness. Ruled out. Then it was shortness of breath and coughing, which was also ruled out. It then manifests as stomach issues like gas, indigestion, nausea etc. I also had stroke and ALS symptoms. Almost like my body didn't want me to feel any sort of tranquility; a prison of my own misery. when one symptom is cleared I begin feeling other symptoms that mimic pathological disorders. It not only drove me out of shape, it deteriorated my mental state; lethargic and not wanting to achieve a single thing. Counseling and acknowledging I had a mental disorder was the first step. Second step was accepting life for what it is and enjoying what it has to offer. Meditation and medicinal marijuana have really helped
Me in ways I could not have foreseen. My stress levels drop dramatically after I smoke or consume thc, then begin my out of body meditation. Living in the moment, and living it moderately. There are months when my symptoms are bad, but all it takes is convincing myself that I'm a healthy individual with a bright future. If any of you fellow steemians believe you suffer form similar symptoms, feel free to share. venting helps in ways one may not think.
One thing that fascinates me about this disorder is how our minds are capable of creating pain when it isn't there; don't underestimate the capabilities our our minds.