Can Stress Cause Physical Symptoms Even When I Feel Emotionally Fine?
Unexplained physical symptoms? Learn how stress affects the body, even when you feel emotionally fine—and how a therapist near you can help.
STRESS
Khushboo- Psychologist
8/13/20251 min read
Yes, stress can manifest physically even when you do not consciously feel anxious or overwhelmed. This is often referred to as somatisation: a process where psychological distress is expressed through physical symptoms.
The body and mind are deeply interconnected. When stress is unrecognised or unprocessed, the nervous system may continue to operate in a state of low-grade activation. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, back or neck pain, jaw tension, or sleep disturbances. These experiences are real, not imagined, and are often the body’s way of signalling an underlying imbalance.
Studies published in The American Journal of Psychiatry have shown that individuals who suppress or minimise emotional distress are more likely to experience somatic symptoms. These may occur even when one appears high-functioning or emotionally stable on the surface.
Because these symptoms do not always respond to medical treatment, individuals often go through multiple tests before recognising a psychological component. Working with a psychologist near you for depression and anxiety can help identify the underlying patterns contributing to the physical experience of stress.
Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and somatic-based practices can be effective in regulating both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. If you're experiencing unexplained bodily symptoms, searching for a therapist near me who understands the mind-body connection can lead to deeper, more lasting relief.
