We often think of stress as something that exists only in our minds — a feeling of being overwhelmed, anxious, or tense. But the truth is, stress is a mind-body experience.
The field of psychosomatic medicine looks at conditions that are at the interface of mind-body connection. Although Medical specialties usually separate physical illnesses from mental illnesses, in fact almost all diseases affect and often originate in both mind and body.
Many people experience physical symptoms which are actually due to stress, rather than a physical disease.
As a specialist in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, I have seen first hand how stress can cause mental symptoms, physical symptoms, or often a combination of the two.
Psychosomatic stress is emotional or psychological stress that manifests as physical symptoms. When we experience anxiety, our mind races with worry and fear. But at the same time, our body is reacting: our muscles tense up, our hormones change, our heartbeat quickens. Chronic activation of the stress response - involving the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - increases levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this leads to muscle tension, physical pain, inflammation, gut and metabolic issues and more.
Common psychosomatic symptoms include:
Chronic stress also elevate the risk of not just mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety but also physical condition such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure and flaring up of immune system related conditions
Whenever we encounter physical symptoms without clear medical causes, we must consider stress as a contributing factor.
Today's work culture has intensified stress levels. The 24/7 connectivity, blurred boundaries between work and home, pressure to be "always on," and cultures that reward overachievement create a breeding ground for chronic stress. Add to this societal pressures to be the perfect employee, parent, and partner all at once, and many professionals end up feeling like they are failing everywhere.
When self-worth becomes tied to achievement or social validation, stress skyrockets. If individuals lack supportive relationships or hobbies outside of work, they lose vital buffers against this stress. Moreover, working in environments misaligned with one's values adds another layer of emotional strain.
Our body "remembers" stress. Chronic stress leads to changes in the nervous system, hormones, inflammation, and even posture. Tight muscles, shallow breathing, gastrointestinal disturbances, and suppressed immunity are all part of these physical changes in response to psychological stress. Neuroscience has shown us that brain regions like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex are altered by chronic emotional pain, affecting not just our thoughts but our physical state.
Many professionals suppress or ignore early warning signs. These can include:
Left unaddressed, these signs can escalate into serious mental and physical health conditions.
In my practice, I have seen professionals who, despite appearing fine, suffered debilitating headaches or back pain, digestive issues, or unexplained fatigue - symptoms that traced back to unresolved emotional conflicts. Some develop severe headaches tied to unresolved family tensions; some others experienced chronic bowel problems linked to toxic workplaces. In both examples, addressing the associated emotional pain led to significant physical healing.
Healing psychosomatic stress requires an integrative approach:
We must view the individual as a whole system rather than fragmented parts.
There are small, effective practices that professionals can incorporate in their daily lives:
If any mental or physical symptoms persist for more than two weeks despite self-care efforts, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional, therapist, or psychiatrist.
Your ambition is a strength, but it must be balanced with inner awareness. Success should not come at the expense of your health, mind and body. When you pause to truly listen, you may find signals of exhaustion, tension, or emotional pain that you have been overlooking. Paying attention to these signals isn't a weakness; it’s an act of strength and wisdom. Healing begins with noticing. Your journey toward excellence should include a journey inward - one where you honor your mental and physical well-being as essential parts of a fulfilling life. Remember, thriving and achieving can go hand in hand when you stay connected to yourself.
Dr. Shyam Bhat is a physician, psychiatrist, and Chairperson of The Live Love Laugh Foundation. With postgraduate training in internal medicine and psychiatry from the United States, Dr. Bhat combines Western scientific knowledge with Eastern wisdom traditions. He is a pioneer in the field of integrative mental health in India, known for his work in mind-body medicine, psychotherapy, and the treatment of psychosomatic disorders. His clinical approach emphasizes holistic healing by addressing the interconnectedness of mind, brain, body, and spirit.
