The Impact of Comorbidity in Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero

Abstract

The co-occurrence of mental health and physical health conditions in an individual can be occasioned by several factors such as genital mutilation and many others. The onset of a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic physical act may actually lead to devastating behavioral pattern which can be harmful and dangerous to the entire wellbeing of a person. This paper seeks to highlight the severe impact of comorbidity in Firdaus and how these conditions adversely affects her ability to cope, be productive and to contribute meaningfully to the society. The study sheds light on the psychological effects of female circumcision and how it can be linked to behavioral disturbances such as depression, anxiety, somatization, mood disorders, amongst others challenges that Firdaus had to grapple with. This study employs Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory to explore the co-occurrence of mental and physical health conditions in the character of Firdaus in Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero. The paper brings to light the fact that long after the character has undergone this heinous procedure, the character is still left to face the long-lasting emotional scars and physical wounds which have major negative outcomes. The concomitant presence of these conditions reveals the mental and physical state of the character and how other victims of similar situation will have to deal with comorbidity for the rest of their lives.