Putting pain into words: the psalms of lament as an aid for the alexithymic

This paper explores how existentially and religiously laden texts such as the psalms of lament can help alexithymic persons living with chronic pain to articulate their emotions. It is proposed that verbalizing emotions through psalms of lament can promote coping, and this hypothesis is exemplified by a reading of Psalm 13. The first part of Psalm 13 helps the alexithymic reader turn existential anguish into questions, expressing feelings of being forgotten, ignored, worried, and antagonized. In the second part, there is a shift towards expressing expectations using the imperative mood, highlighting assertiveness. Assertiveness, though not part of alexithymia, relates to emotional expressiveness, and learning to express requests and expectations is health-promoting. In the third part, hope is introduced. This is linked to the psalmist's ability to say "I." Self-assertion is crucial for overcoming externally-oriented thinking, empowering persons to see themselves as active agents. Trust and hope are active stances, essential for living well despite chronic pain. Hence, texts viewed as sacred by alexithymic readers can help them get a language with which to express their discomfort.