Somatic symptom disorder is a condition where a person somaticizes or “feels their emotional pain.” For example, you may feel joint pain or numbness and tingling in your body and then be confused as to the source. You automatically assume that there is danger afoot. The pain you’re feeling in your body is due to anxiety, but it feels so “real.” Living with somatic symptom disorder can be frustrating when you go to see a doctor. Medical professionals aren’t sure whether the patient is experiencing a mental health condition, a physical problem, or both. It’s challenging to evaluate them. Here’s how somatic symptoms disorder impacts a person’s life.
Treating physical versus mental health conditions
The challenge for somebody with somatic symptom disorder is decoding between mental health issues and physical health ones. For example, a person with somatic symptom disorder could experience a panic attack. Their chest hurts, and they feel tightness in their stomach, and they are convinced that they have a heart attack. In reality, they’re having an anxiety attack. But it can be nearly impossible for someone around them to convince the person that they’re not in physical danger. It’s challenging for the individual with the condition and the people who want to support them. The question is – what’s mental and what’s physical? A person with somatic symptoms disorder may be devalued or not believed by medical professionals, which can be frustrating and difficult to get the right help for their problems.
How medical professionals treat somebody with somatic symptom disorder
When you have “anxiety” or “anxiety disorder” written in your medical chart, doctors often dismiss your concerns. That’s particularly the case for a client with somatic symptom disorder. The individual could have severe numbness and tingling their body and explain that to their doctor only to be dismissed. It can be challenging for them to even go to the doctor’s office because they’re afraid that something is terribly wrong. Then they dare to go in and make an appointment, and when they visit with the doctor, the medical professional brushes off their concerns as “just anxiety.” It could be that they are experiencing nervousness or panic; however, there is a chance that their physical symptoms are something that is medically related. The trouble is that medical professionals write it off as anxiety because the person is often having panic.
Health worries
Those who have this condition ruminate on whether they’re sick. It could take a toll on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. When you ruminate on your health, it can directly impact your body. You can get stress-related conditions such as acid reflux or stomach problems. It’s crucial to be mindful of your overall well being and talk to the medical professional if you need to do so.
Validating yourself
If you are a person living with somatic symptom disorder, it’s important to validate your physical and emotional feelings. Regardless of where the sensations are coming from, they are real to you. Do not let medical professionals or loved ones invalidate your experiences. Your pain and that is real. One of the things that people struggle with when they have this condition is others telling them that what they feel is not real. You have the power to validate your feelings, mental and physical ones. It’s important to search for a good doctor who will believe you and get to the root cause of the discomfort.
Therapists need to believe their patients
If you’re interested in learning more about somatic symptom disorder, you can visit Mind Diagnostics. Another tool you can use is going to counseling. Seeing a licensed therapist is a way to discuss your struggles. Online therapy is an excellent place for people with somatic symptom disorder to talk about their health. It’s convenient, affordable, and can be done from the comfort of a person’s home. If you’re living with any mental health condition, or want to talk about daily life challenges, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Therapy can be a game-changer when it comes to living with any kind of mental health concern. Online therapists are compassionate, and they will believe you when you tell them that you’re hurting. It’s important to be validated when you have mental health issues or physical health ones. Search for an online professional who can help you with your mental health and someone who believes your feelings.
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