Anemia

Ever thought about the mind-body connection behind anemia?

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. From a psychosomatic perspective, blood is a symbol of life, joy, energy, and the strength of our spirit. So, issues with our blood

can often be linked to a disruption of these aspects on a psycho-emotional level.

Let's break down the possible psychosomatic causes of anemia.

The Key Metaphor: "The joy of life is seeping away."

Anemia symbolizes a leakage or blockages of vital force, joy, and motivation. It's a state where a person emotionally burns out, losing their taste for life and interest in their own existence.

Main Psycho-Emotional Causes & Conflicts:

1.  Lack of Joy & Loss of Interest in Life

    The most common cause. A person stops seeing meaning, beauty, and pleasure in their life. 

    Inner Beliefs:

       "Life is a heavy obligation."

      "There's no room for fun in my life."

      "I don't deserve joy."

2.  Deep Feelings of Inferiority & Self-Devaluation

    A conviction that "there's something wrong with me," "I'm not good enough." This inner feeling of "defectiveness" literally drains your strength.

    Inner Beliefs:

      "I have no right to exist."

     "My life has no value."

      "I am unworthy of living a full life."

3.  Burnout & Loss of Personal Goals

    Often occurs in people who live for others (children, partner, parents) while ignoring their own needs and desires. They "give their blood"—their energy and life—to others, getting nothing or not enough in return and not replenishing their own resources.

    Inner Beliefs:

       "I must take care of everyone except myself."

     "My desires are not important."

4.  Unresolved Issues with Mother or Motherhood

    Blood and bone marrow (where it's produced) are symbolically connected to the theme of the mother, as she gives us our first life and nourishment. Anemia can be linked to:

      Non-acceptance of one's own mother or one's role as a mother.

     A conflict between the desire to be a mother and the fear or unreadiness for it.

      Deep resentment toward a mother who "didn't give enough vital force" in childhood.

    Inner Beliefs:

      "I didn't get enough motherly love."

       "I am a bad mother."

     "I don't want to be like my mother."

5.  Fear of Life & Avoiding Challenges

    A subconscious unwillingness to actively participate in life, take responsibility, or face difficulties. The body literally reduces the supply of "fuel" (oxygen) for vital activity.

    Inner Beliefs:

       "Better not to stick my head out."

     "Life is too dangerous and difficult."

     "I don't have the strength to handle this."

A Path to Healing: Questions for Self-Reflection

Working with anemia on a psychosomatic level is about rediscovering lost joy and vital force.

1.  Reconnecting with Joy:

     "What brought me joy as a child? What made my heart beat faster?"

     "What is one small thing I can do for myself today to feel even a drop of pleasure?" (Even 5 minutes on a hobby, a walk in the park).

     "If my life were truly interesting and joyful, what would it look like?"

2.  Working on Self-Esteem:

      "What can I praise myself for? What qualities can I be proud of?"

    "Whose evaluation and approval am I waiting for? Why is it so important to me?"

     "How can I care for myself the way I would care for the most precious person?"

3.  Establishing Healthy Boundaries:

      "Who or what am I giving my energy to against my will?"

     "How can I softly say 'no' to things that drain me?"

     "What can I do just for myself, without feeling guilty?"

4.  Exploring the Mother Theme:

     "What is my relationship with my mother? What has been left unsaid?" (Writing a letter to mom helps without sending it to her)

     "Can I accept her for who she is and let go of my expectations, my desire to change her?"

     "How can I nourish myself with love on my own, without expecting it from others?"

Anemia can have  physical causes (iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, blood loss, etc.). 

The optimal path is integrative: combine the treatment prescribed by your doctor with a deep exploration of the psychological roots. This allows you to not just temporarily raise your iron levels, but to restore your inner source of life force and joy so that anemia doesn't return.

If you feel stuck and need help reconnecting with your source of joy and vitality, I'm here to support you. Feel free to reach out at olesyafursova@yahoo.com

Or through the website