Lifestyle and home remedies

While somatic symptom disorder benefits from professional treatment, you can take some lifestyle and self-care steps, including these:

• Work with your care providers. Work with your medical care provider and mental health professional to determine a regular schedule for visits to discuss your concerns and build a trusting relationship. Also discuss setting reasonable limits on tests, evaluations and specialist referrals. Avoid seeking advice from multiple doctors or emergency room visits that can make your care more difficult to coordinate and may subject you to duplicate testing.
• Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Learning stress management and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, may help improve symptoms.
• Get physically active. A graduated activity program may have a calming effect on your mood, improve your physical symptoms and help improve your physical function.
• Participate in activities. Stay involved in your work and in social and family activities. Don't wait until your symptoms are resolved to participate.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Substance use can make your care more difficult. Talk to your health care provider if you need help quitting.