When the Mind Causes Discomfort

Susan, a 40-year-old school teacher, was suffering from daily headaches, neck discomforts, shoulder discomforts, persistent feelings of stress and sleep deprived nights.

After carrying out a number of diagnostic tests and a thorough examination, Susan's doctor informed her that her X-rays, blood tests and MRI showed she had no physical problems.

Susan is among several individuals who tell their stories of agonizing physical signs interrupting their lives in a video entitled "When the Mind Causes Pain." The video was produced by Freedom From Fear, a not-for-profit mental disorder advocacy organization.

Freedom From Fear started its concentrate on discomfort and depression with a study to check out the effect of physical symptoms on an individual's work, social life and family life. The study, performed last May, exposed that practically 90 percent of the individuals think anxiety or stress and anxiety could trigger agonizing physical signs.

Likewise, 50 percent of the individuals who were identified with arthritis, migraines, diabetes and other medical conditions with uncomfortable symptoms reported increased discomfort on days when they felt depressed or distressed.

Some of the other findings indicated that 60 percent of the participants with undiagnosed medical conditions experienced moderate to severe changes in their physical symptoms on days they felt distressed or depressed.

"The connection in between physical pain and emotional pain is effectively recorded in the medical literature," stated Mary Guardino, executive director and creator of Freedom From Fear.

"Among clients with depression, 80 percent first present to their medical professionals specifically with physical symptoms. The most typical are: joint and neck and back pain, tiredness, insomnia, dizziness and headaches. Patients with agonizing physical symptoms are 3 times as most likely to experience high depressive symptoms," she said.

Chronic pain impacts more than 40 million Americans each year. There are safe, efficient treatments readily available, and individuals can enhance their quality of life, even if they are experiencing painful signs. A sensation of well-being is a joint effort of the mind and body working together.

After Susan’s diagnosis ruled out physical ailments, she felt frustrated and confused. She had expected an answer, a treatment plan, something tangible to explain the pain that weighed on her daily. But instead, her doctor gently explained the possibility that her symptoms might be rooted in chronic stress and anxiety.

The next day, Susan decided to watch “When the Mind Causes Pain” to learn more about what she might be experiencing. Hearing others share similar stories — unexplained physical pain stemming from emotional struggles — felt like a weight lifting off her. For the first time, she began to understand the intricate ways the mind and body influence each other.

Encouraged, Susan sought out mental health resources. Through Freedom From Fear, she found a therapist who specialized in somatic therapy, a practice focusing on the mind-body connection. Over the next few months, Susan explored breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive behavioral strategies. Slowly, she began to notice shifts in her body. Her headaches eased, her sleep improved, and the unrelenting weight on her shoulders started to feel lighter.

The journey wasn’t without setbacks, but each small victory — a restful night, a pain-free morning — gave her hope. Through this process, Susan not only reclaimed control over her physical well-being but also uncovered emotional resilience she hadn’t known was within her.

Months later, Susan found herself in her classroom, free from the lingering aches that once plagued her. Her experience taught her that healing isn’t always a straight path but a collaboration between mind and body, one where compassion and patience are essential. And with each day, she continued to embody the hope that others, too, could find peace within themselves, even amidst life’s hidden struggles.