How to deal with somatization of depression
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Somatic symptoms of depression may be caused by long-term accumulated stress, unhealthy lifestyle habits, neurasthenia, depression, or somatic symptom disorders. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other methods under a doctor's guidance. Daily diet should be light and balanced, with increased intake of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and nuts.
Generally, somatization of depression may be caused by long-term stress accumulation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, neurasthenia, depression, or somatoform disorders. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms through lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other methods under medical guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Long-term stress accumulation: Prolonged mental tension can lead to neuroendocrine dysfunction and cause physical discomfort such as headaches and fatigue. Reserve 30 minutes daily for meditation or deep breathing exercises, and express your stress through journaling to prevent emotional buildup.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Staying up late and lack of exercise reduce bodily functions and worsen somatic symptoms. Maintain a regular sleep schedule with at least seven hours of sleep per night, and engage in moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking or yoga to promote endorphin secretion.
3. Neurasthenia: Chronic mental stress leads to easy fatigue of brain nerves, often accompanied by physical pain and insomnia. Follow medical advice to use medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or Anshen Bunao Liquid, while reducing mental workload and avoiding prolonged periods of intense concentration.
4. Depression: Core depressive symptoms are often accompanied by physical discomfort such as chest tightness and decreased appetite. Patients should take prescribed medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, or mirtazapine tablets, along with cognitive behavioral therapy to adjust their mindset.
5. Somatoform disorder: Characterized by persistent physical discomfort without clear organic pathology upon examination. Treatment may include medications such as flupentixol-melitracen tablets, venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, or alprazolam tablets as directed by a physician. In severe cases, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be used to regulate brain neural function.
Maintain a light and balanced diet, and increase intake of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and nuts. Actively communicate feelings with family and friends, avoid excessive focus on bodily discomfort when alone, and cultivate hobbies and interests to shift attention and support physical and mental recovery.
