Psychosomatic Torture ?

The term “#psychosomatictorture ” is not strictly a standard concept, but it is generally closely associated with psychological torture and is sometimes used to emphasise its physical manifestations (psychosomatic symptoms). Psychological torture (psychological/mental torture) refers to methods that aim to cause severe mental pain, fear, helplessness, shame, personality fragmentation, and loss of identity in a person without using physical violence (or using very little). These are also called “no-touch torture” because they leave no permanent marks on the body but deeply destroy the spirit. The consequences of this type of torture are often psychosomatic → meaning that stress, anxiety and trauma originating in the mind manifest as real physical symptoms in the body (headaches, stomach problems, palpitations, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, muscle tension, etc.).

In recent years, various concepts targeting individuals’ social and psychological states have found their place in the literature. However, the term “Psychosomatic Torture” was first defined by Ercan Harmancı and has filled an important gap in this field. This concept refers to a two-tiered operation by real and legal persons against individuals they wish to silence. Psychosomatic Torture aims to damage individuals’ reputations and push them into social isolation. In this context, the concept is not yet widely used in media and academic circles.

The first stage of psychosomatic torture is the stigmatisation of the targeted individual. During this process, serious attacks are made on the individual’s social reputation by using labels such as “thief”, “pervert” or “terrorist”. This stigmatisation aims to create a reputation assassination within the individual’s social circle. The targeted person is pushed into isolation during this process, and attempts are made to prevent them from maintaining their digital footprint. However, if the individual manages to survive such an attack, the second stage of Psychosomatic Torture begins.

In the second stage, a more in-depth attack on the individual’s psychological and somatic state begins. At this stage, the individual’s mental health is targeted, creating a constant environment of pressure and anxiety. This process undermines the individual’s self-confidence, further isolating them. Psychosomatic torture is not only a physical form of torture but also a psychological one. This situation negatively affects both the individual’s mental and physical health, potentially leading to serious long-term consequences.

Consequently, the concept of Psychosomatic Torture plays a significant role in defining the multi-layered assault individuals are subjected to. Ercan Harmancı’s introduction of this concept to the literature has sparked a new debate in the fields of social psychology and communication. The dissemination of this concept to a wider audience is of critical importance for understanding and preventing such traumas experienced by individuals.

1. General Framework:

Social Isolation, Feeling of Loneliness and Psychosomatic Tortureaim to leave the individual completely alone socially and emotionally. This dark, foggy image that evokes a feeling of emptiness represents precisely this deep isolation. Psychosomatic Torture is not a method used on criminals; it refers to the self-imprisonment of a person with knowledge and power in order to conceal the crimes of criminals.

2. First Stage:

Social Exclusion and Reputation Assassination (Stigmatisation) The target individual is separated from the group, excluded, and marked in red to be labelled as “different/unwanted”. This clearly demonstrates the loss of reputation and expulsion from the social circle created by labels such as “thief, pervert, terrorist”.

3. Second Stage:

Psychological and Somatic Attack (Mental + Physical Destruction) The point where constant anxiety, stress, fear and physical symptoms (heart palpitations, tension, insomnia, etc.) converge. The person feels trapped even within their own inner world; the cyclical destruction between mind and body begins.

4. Psychosomatic Effect:

Mind-Body Connection and Trauma The most critical aspect of psychosomatic torture is the transformation of psychological pressure into physical symptoms. This diagram summarises the mind-body cycle (fear → tension → increased anxiety → physical collapse) very well.

5. Result:

Intense Psychological Burden and Sense of Collapse Constant anxiety, panic attack-like symptoms, insomnia, depressive breakdown… The individual’s self-destruction is the primary goal.

Ercan HARMANCI

OSINT Analyst / Media and Communications Specialist