Physical & Somatic Concerns - Karasick Psychology

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Physical and Somatic Concerns

Psychological distress often manifests physically—through chronic pain, insomnia, burnout, and injury-related symptoms. Understanding the connection between body and mind is essential to healing. Many people experience persistent physical symptoms that defy medical explanation—yet these sensations are real, valid, and often deeply distressing. This page explores how emotional and psychological factors can manifest physically, and how you can begin to address them.

What Are Somatic Symptoms?

Somatic symptoms are physical sensations that arise from emotional or psychological stress rather than a clear medical condition. These symptoms may include:

Chronic pain (especially in the back, neck, or abdomen)
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, bloating, constipation)
Headaches or migraines
Shortness of breath or heart palpitations

These symptoms often persist despite normal test results, leaving individuals feeling frustrated or dismissed.

The Emotional Roots of Physical Pain

Unprocessed emotions—such as grief, anxiety, fear, or trauma—can become stored in the body. Over time, this emotional residue may manifest as physical discomfort. As trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk puts it, “The body keeps the score.” When the nervous system is dysregulated, digestion slows, muscles tense, and pain thresholds drop.

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