Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of somatization in East Asian cultures, where individuals express emotional distress through physical symptoms rather than verbalizing their feelings [1][2][3] - It highlights personal stories of individuals who experienced physical ailments linked to emotional issues, emphasizing the need for better awareness and understanding of the connection between mental health and physical symptoms [4][5] Group 1 - The historical context shows that in the past, depression rates in China were low compared to the U.S., but many patients were diagnosed with "neurasthenia," indicating a cultural tendency to report physical symptoms [1][2] - The article illustrates that in East Asian cultures, emotional expression is often suppressed, leading individuals to describe their psychological distress through bodily pain [3][4] - The narratives of four individuals reveal how their emotional crises manifested as various physical symptoms, such as menstrual irregularities and gastrointestinal issues, ultimately leading them to seek medical help [4][5] Group 2 - One individual recounts experiencing amenorrhea for ten months following a breakup, attributing her physical symptoms to emotional turmoil, which was initially overlooked by healthcare providers [6][8][10] - Another individual describes how academic pressure led to recurring stomach pain, which subsided when she took a break from her stressful environment, highlighting the body's response to emotional stress [24][29][30] - A third narrative discusses the onset of vision problems as a response to accumulated stress, which improved after seeking psychological help, illustrating the importance of addressing mental health to alleviate physical symptoms [50][64][65]