The picture of the white orchid confronted 9-year-old me as I flipped through Life Magazine. My nose began to itch. Tears came to my eyes and mouth; it felt like an allergic reaction to a picture. I felt amazement, excitement, and worry at the same time. It was strange and so important.

I told my mother. Her response was matter-of-fact. She said, “That is interesting…those things happen.” So, I became a psychiatrist.

Is the psychosomatic label avoiding a problem without looking into the details?

Go HERE, where I explore psychosomatic symptoms as real, serious, and dangerous as any illnesses.