somatization

Somatization is when emotional or psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms without a clear medical cause. Essentially, feelings like stress, anxiety, or depression can create real bodily sensations—such as pain, fatigue, or digestive issues—that may lead someone to seek medical help. It’s a way the body expresses mental health issues physically, often making it challenging to identify the true source of symptoms. Recognizing somatization is important so these symptoms can be addressed holistically, including both mental and physical health, rather than solely focusing on physical treatments.