Somatic Symptom Disorder

Management and resources

At home

Learning how to cope with distressing physical symptoms can be challenging. With adequate treatment, managing symptoms of somatic symptom disorder can drastically improve. In the meantime, there are several behavior changes that can assist individuals in managing somatic symptoms at home.

Tracking symptoms

When symptoms are present, such as headaches, stomach aches, or other ailments, it can be hard to understand why they are there and feel like they come from out of nowhere. Individuals with somatic symptom disorder might benefit from starting to track their symptoms to help them better understand how frequently, when, where, and how their symptoms occur. They can start by getting a journal or keeping a notepad by their bed. They then schedule a time during their day to reflect on their symptoms and write down the relevant information to them.

They may start to find patterns or common triggers for their symptoms. When they better understand their symptoms and possible factors that worsen or improve them, they may find themselves feeling less threatened by them and find experiencing them easier to manage in the moment.

Managing stress levels

Underlying anxiety and stress can sometimes worsen symptoms for those with somatic symptom disorder. Reducing and managing stress through relaxation techniques and regular self-care can make a significant difference over time. Identifying a few activities that tend to improve the moment for themselves like going for a walk, listening to music, calling a friend, or taking a moment to take a deep breath can be helpful. Those with somatic symptom disorder can try to engage in at least one of these behaviors a day and especially when stress is elevated.

Working with existing health care providers

If an individual with somatic symptoms is currently seeing a health care provider for their symptoms, they can try collaborating with their health care team to determine appropriate levels of treatment. They may let them in on their concerns. Just because some of their physical symptoms have been caused by underlying stress or anxiety in the past doesn’t mean that they don’t ever need medical treatment.

There also may be times where medical tests or treatments are not recommended despite heightened fears that their symptoms may be a sign of a worst case scenario illness. With open communication with their providers, those with somatic symptom disorder will be able to get to the bottom of their concerns and develop a plan that is adequate for their needs.

At work

Somatic symptom disorder can affect people differently at work. Work can be extremely stressful for many people. Even when a person loves their job, there are times for everyone when they wish they were anywhere but at work, such as crunch times for getting jobs done or when receiving a performance evaluation. They may find their somatic symptoms increase during these stressful periods. However, with treatment most people with somatic symptoms feel more functional at work, and if they do have symptoms, the symptoms can become more of a temporary challenge.

In relationships

Somatic symptom disorder can be hard to understand, not only for the person going through it, but also for the loved ones and people in their life. Some people who have struggled with somatic symptom disorder have found it hard to share their symptoms with others out of fear others will not understand, invalidate their symptoms, or also respond with fear.

Sometimes the somatic symptoms can make people want to avoid social events like gatherings, dating, or visiting family members due to pain or fear of discomfort. Reducing avoidance and engaging in life despite symptoms can be hard and also rewarding. If comfortable, it can help to discuss symptoms with close friends and family and let them know what is helpful in times of distress. With adequate treatment, many people find it easier to relate to others and maintain their relationships with and without symptoms.

Additional resources

Depending on the type of somatic symptoms one is struggling with, they may find one of the below resources helpful for further information.

Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Support communities

Pain Connection Support Groups Chronic Pain Anonymous Support Groups Anxiety and Depression Association of America Support Groups