When your body hurts, but medical tests don’t show anything wrong, it can be incredibly frustrating. Now imagine that happening every day—and being told it’s “all in your head.” That’s the everyday reality for people living with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), a condition where physical symptoms cause significant emotional distress but don’t match any identifiable medical cause.

SSD is not about "faking it"—far from it. The pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal distress people experience is very real. But the mind and body are deeply intertwined, and for some, psychological distress can amplify physical sensations or make them harder to manage. This often leads to a vicious cycle: the more someone worries about their symptoms, the worse the symptoms feel.

What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?

According to the DSM-5, SSD is diagnosed when an individual experiences one or more physical symptoms that are distressing or disrupt daily life—paired with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms. These reactions can include persistent worry, frequent doctor visits, or spending large amounts of time researching possible diagnoses.

Common symptoms include:

• Chronic pain
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Gastrointestinal problems
  
  
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
  
  

What makes SSD unique is that the concern or anxiety about the symptom is often out of proportion to the medical reality—yet very real in the person’s experience. This can result in strained relationships, work disruptions, and mental health decline, especially if the person feels dismissed by healthcare providers.

Who’s Affected?

SSD can affect anyone, but studies suggest it's more common among women and individuals who’ve experienced trauma or chronic stress. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 7% of the general population may experience SSD, with many cases going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Mental health experts also note that cultural factors play a role. In communities where emotional expression is discouraged, psychological distress may manifest physically. That’s why culturally sensitive care is crucial.

Breaking the Cycle

Getting help for SSD starts with recognizing it as a valid condition that needs both medical and mental health support. Here are a few steps for managing it:

• Seek integrated care: A primary care physician and therapist working together can rule out serious medical issues while also addressing emotional patterns.
  
  
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing and guided meditation can help individuals reconnect with their bodies in non-judgmental ways.
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is particularly effective in reducing health anxiety and helping individuals reframe catastrophic thoughts about their symptoms.
  
  
• Limit unnecessary medical testing: Excessive tests can reinforce fear and anxiety. A trusted medical provider can help create a balanced care plan.
  
  

"Once my doctor said, 'You’re not imagining your pain, but let’s also care for your mind,' I felt seen for the first time in years," shared Tanya, a 42-year-old living with SSD.

How We Can Help Each Other

If someone in your life seems preoccupied with vague or shifting health issues, resist the urge to minimize their experience. Instead, try:

• Listening without judgment
  
  
• Encouraging gentle conversations about stress or anxiety
  
  
• Supporting their journey to find both medical and mental health care
  
  

Understanding SSD helps us break the stigma around the mind-body connection. It reminds us that healing isn’t always about finding a single answer—but about approaching health from every angle.