Understanding psychosomatic illness
The mind and body are closely connected. Stress, worry and unexpressed emotions can show up as real physical symptoms — headaches, body aches, acidity, irritable bowel, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, skin flare-ups or exhaustion. These are sometimes called psychosomatic or somatic symptoms.
The symptoms are real, not imagined. What differs is that the main driver is the body’s stress response rather than a structural disease. Often people have visited several specialists and undergone many tests, all of which come back normal, yet the symptoms continue. This can be frustrating and frightening.
Stress can also worsen existing physical illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, psoriasis or acid peptic disease. Looking after emotional health is therefore part of looking after physical health.
Common signs
- Recurring pains, acidity or bowel upset without a clear medical cause
- Multiple doctor visits and tests with normal results
- Symptoms that worsen during stressful periods
- Constant tiredness, heaviness or weakness
- Persistent worry about having a serious illness
- Palpitations, breathlessness or dizziness when anxious
Having some of these signs doesn’t mean you have a condition. A professional assessment helps make sense of them.
When to see a psychiatrist
If your physician or specialist has ruled out serious disease and symptoms are still affecting your life, a psychiatric consultation can help identify the stress, anxiety or depression that may be contributing.
Seeing a psychiatrist does not mean anyone thinks your pain is “all in your head”. It means looking at the whole picture.
How treatment works at The Peaceful Mind
Dr. Vibha Bhide takes a careful history of your symptoms, reviews your reports and works alongside your other doctors where needed. Understanding how the stress response produces physical sensations is often a relief in itself.
Treatment may include counselling, relaxation and breathing techniques, sleep and lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying anxiety or depression — sometimes with medicines that also help with pain and gut sensitivity. The aim is to reduce symptoms, unnecessary tests and worry, and help you return to normal activities.
Talk to Dr. Vibha about psychosomatic illness
In-clinic in Ravet or online · English, मराठी, हिंदी · Confidential
Questions people ask
No. The symptoms are real and can be very distressing. They arise from the body’s response to stress and emotions rather than from damage to an organ.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vibha A. Bhide — {{TODO: confirm review & date}}