Somatization of Loss of Fatherhood: A Case Study of a Chinese Man with Major Depression

Abstract

This case study reports on a 52-year-old man suffering from depression which was largely precipitated by loss of fatherhood after divorce when his ex-wife took their son and migrated to Canada. In the presentation of his distress to the therapist, he mainly complained of “heart ache,” which could not be confirmed by a number of physicians as having any kind of physical disorder. The sense of psychological pain due to the loss of the love relationship with his son was hidden and was expressed in physical form. His self-identify as a strong man and as a manager of a pharmacy company were main barriers for him to reveal his psychological pain. His feelings of anger toward his ex-wife and grief from the separation from his son began to occur during an 8-week body-mind-spirit group therapy. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain were integrated into the healing process.

Keywords

somatization loss fatherhood major depression Chinese men

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