Chapter 1: The Fracture That Changed Everything

At the tender age of 10, I faced my first significant injury. It was a summer day at the end of July when I fell from a horizontal bar nearly three meters high at the playground. The result was a closed fracture of my left tibia, complete with displacement. I had to undergo anesthesia for the procedure to set my bone, and I finally had my cast removed by mid-September.

This was a pivotal time in my life, as I transitioned from primary school to secondary education. Due to an increase in our neighborhood's population, a new gymnasium was constructed to accommodate the children, which meant I had to switch schools.

I only made it to the new school once. The pain in my leg was unbearable, and the walk home took about 20 minutes. My ankle remained swollen, and I walked with a noticeable limp. My mother was incredibly supportive, and I ultimately returned to my former school. The improper weight distribution while walking led to another setback, and by late October, I found myself in a splint again. I attended classes on crutches during the second shift, with my older brother assisting me over the 200-meter trek from home to school.

Why share this experience?

The first reason is to illustrate, through my own story, the concept of psychosomatics and how our bodies respond to stress. I now believe that, during that time, I was grappling with significant fear and anxiety regarding the substantial changes in my life: shifting schools, adjusting to secondary education, and meeting new teachers and classmates. I felt as if I were losing the foundational support (my legs) that grounded me in my familiar world. This likely demanded more effort and responsibility from me than I was prepared for, and adults around me did not address these emotional challenges. However, these feelings persisted, accumulating over time. Eventually, my body found a way to express this internal turmoil, albeit in a harmful manner. In a way, this led to the care and attention I received.

Secondly, I want to highlight my emotional reaction when the cast was reapplied. I felt devastated and cried bitter tears, dreading the return to this "bondage." However, a wise pediatric traumatologist offered a memorable perspective: "Do you want to wear heels when you grow up? Then we must do this!"

Life can present us with instances where something inside us fractures—be it from conflicts, divorces, losses, or misunderstandings. It often feels as though we can never mend these internal breaks, that we will never return to our former selves. While it’s true that we will not be the same, every injury can be healed. Just as bones and cuts mend, any psychological trauma can also be addressed. However, this healing process begins with understanding the purpose behind it. I realized that I wanted to wear heels someday, and that motivated me to ensure my bones healed properly. By aligning my intentions with both the doctor and myself, I created an internal commitment to healing.

A psychologist can assist in pinpointing the areas that need attention and offer a “treatment plan.” They provide care and support, akin to a bandage, but the client must endure the discomfort that accompanies healing—much like taking bitter medicine or wearing a cast.

Believe me, even psychologists undergo their own therapy, experiencing what it feels like to be on the other side. Understanding the "why" gives us the strength to navigate the "how."

If my story resonated with you, please consider liking it and sharing your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to share more about my experiences with fractures and the insights I've gained from them.

In the video "Midwave Breaks - When Something Inside Us Blows," the exploration of emotional turmoil resonates deeply with my experiences, illustrating how internal struggles can manifest physically.

Chapter 2: Healing Beyond the Surface

In "Jessica Poza - Broken Inside," the themes of vulnerability and the journey of healing align closely with my narrative, highlighting the need for understanding and support during difficult times.