Somatic Symptom Disorder: Why Stress and Anxiety Can Cause Real Physical Pain

What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is a mental health condition where emotional distress shows up as very real physical symptoms. People with SSD often experience chronic pain, fatigue, or other body-related discomforts without a clear medical explanation. It is important to understand that the pain is not “all in the head” or imagined—it is genuine and deeply distressing. The difference lies in its root cause: rather than stemming from a physical illness, the symptoms are linked to stress, anxiety, or unresolved emotional struggles.

How Stress and Anxiety Affect the Body

The connection between the mind and body is powerful. When we are stressed or anxious, the brain signals the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these chemicals prepare us for “fight or flight,” they also take a toll on the body. Prolonged stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, stomach issues, or extreme fatigue. Over time, the body begins to hold onto this tension, and emotional pain transforms into physical pain. This is why someone experiencing high stress or anxiety may feel constant physical discomfort even when medical tests show nothing unusual.

Common Symptoms of Somatic Symptom Disorder

SSD can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms may change over time. Some people live with chronic pain that moves from one part of the body to another. Others may experience digestive problems, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a persistent feeling of weakness. Fatigue is especially common, making daily tasks feel exhausting. The unpredictability of these symptoms often heightens distress and worry, creating a cycle where stress fuels pain and pain fuels more stress.

Causes and Risk Factors

There is no single cause of somatic symptom disorder. Instead, it develops through a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. A genetic predisposition may make some people more sensitive to physical symptoms. Early childhood experiences such as trauma, neglect, or frequent illness can also play a role. Chronic stress, as well as pre-existing conditions like anxiety or depression, further increase the risk. For many, SSD becomes the body’s way of expressing unresolved emotional pain that the mind cannot process directly.

Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. Hypochondria

SSD is often confused with hypochondria, or what is now formally called illness anxiety disorder. While they sound similar, they are quite different. In somatic symptom disorder, the physical pain or discomfort is very real, though its source is psychological rather than medical. In illness anxiety disorder, the main problem is excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness—even when no symptoms or only mild sensations are present. In short, SSD is about experiencing real symptoms, while illness anxiety disorder is more about the overwhelming fear of disease.

Coping Strategies and Treatment Options

The good news is that SSD can be managed with the right support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments, helping individuals reframe unhelpful thought patterns and learn healthier ways to respond to physical discomfort. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can reduce the intensity of symptoms. Building a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced sleep, and proper nutrition supports both mental and physical well-being. Supportive therapy and psychoeducation also help individuals and families understand the mind-body connection, reducing shame and encouraging healing.

Supporting a Loved One with SSD

Living with SSD can be incredibly isolating, especially if friends or family dismiss the symptoms as “imaginary.” Loved ones can make a huge difference by listening with empathy, offering emotional support, and avoiding judgmental remarks. Encouraging professional help gently—without pressuring—can also be beneficial. Practical support, such as helping someone manage daily tasks when symptoms flare up, shows care and helps reduce the stress that worsens physical discomfort.

How The Love Hope Company Helps

At The Love Hope Company, we understand that physical and emotional health are deeply interconnected. Our therapists provide compassionate counseling that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of somatic symptom disorder. Through personalized therapy, stress management training, and holistic support, we help individuals learn how to manage symptoms, break the cycle of stress and pain, and move toward healing.

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