SickKids Foundation

The saying “music is medicine” is one that rings true for 18-year-old Darcy. 🎶

Darcy developed a range of symptoms following a Covid infection that left her struggling to function. After months of medical tests failing to identify a cause, debilitating symptoms persisted. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), which meant her real physical symptoms were triggered and amplified by emotions like fear and anxiety.

Thanks to group therapy and care at SickKids, Darcy has gradually been able to regain function. Though her SSD requires daily efforts to find ways to express herself to manage symptoms and flare ups, music and poetry make it easier for her to process her experiences and feel less alone.

Today, on , Darcy is using her voice not only to sing, but also to encourage meaningful conversations surrounding mental health.

“Music and writing poems have provided an outlet for my emotions, ones that I can’t always say out loud. Singing, along with the doctors at SickKids, have helped accelerate my recovery ten-fold and for that I am eternally grateful.” 💙