Ever get a stomachache before a big event or a headache that hits right after a stressful day? That’s not just coincidence—your body could be responding to unspoken emotions. When emotional pain or trauma doesn’t get a healthy outlet, it often shows up in physical form. These are known as psychosomatic symptoms, and believe it or not, they’re pretty common.
It’s easy to dismiss these signs. After all, if tests come back “normal,” we’re told everything’s fine. But if your body’s still screaming, it might be time to listen more closely. The truth is, our minds and bodies are in constant conversation. When one goes unheard, the other speaks louder.
What Are Psychosomatic Symptoms, Really?
Psychosomatic symptoms aren’t “just in your head”—they’re very real physical symptoms that stem from emotional distress. Your body’s nervous system is wired to respond to stress and trauma, and when you can’t process these emotions mentally, your body picks up the slack.
Common signs might include:
- Chronic fatigue with no clear medical cause
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Stomach issues like nausea or IBS
- Muscle pain or tension
- Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
These symptoms may persist even when everything “looks fine” on paper. That’s often what makes them so frustrating—and so easy to overlook.
Why the Mind-Body Connection Matters
Think of your body like a pressure cooker. If there’s no way to release the steam, things start to go haywire. Emotional stress, especially if it’s long-term or unresolved, can keep your nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Over time, that leads to wear and tear on your physical health.
People who’ve experienced trauma, grief, or long-standing anxiety may find their emotions show up in ways they don’t expect. The body becomes the messenger. And often, it’s the only one being heard.
That’s why it’s important to take both your emotional and physical symptoms seriously. If you’re constantly tired, on edge, or just not feeling right—even when nothing seems “wrong”—it could be your body trying to tell you something your mind hasn’t processed yet.
Can Therapy Help? Absolutely.
This is where therapy, especially approaches like psychoanalysis or trauma-focused care, can be life-changing. By creating space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface, therapy helps connect the dots between emotional pain and physical symptoms.
As people begin working through unresolved feelings, many find that their physical issues begin to ease up. That’s no magic trick—it’s the result of healing from the inside out.
Conclusion
You don’t have to choose between physical or emotional health—they’re two sides of the same coin. If your body has been sounding the alarm and you’re not sure why, therapy could be the key to unlocking the message. At O’Neill Counseling, we’re here to walk alongside you as you navigate both the seen and unseen aspects of healing. Interested in a deeper dive? Learn more about psychoanalysis therapy. If anxiety is running the show, check out our anxiety counseling. And for those carrying emotional wounds from the past, our trauma therapy can help you begin to heal from the inside out.

Karen Majdalani, LMFT (Lic. #132761) holds Master’s degrees in Psychoanalysis and in Marriage and Family Therapy, and has been practicing since 2015. She co-founded O’Neill Counseling with Sean O’Neill to provide affordable, insurance-based therapy for families, children, teens, and couples in Orange County. At O’Neill Counseling, she leads a team of associate therapists with diverse expertise, including trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, anxiety and depression treatment, and child and adolescent disorders. Karen is passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for growth, healing, and connection.