SICK in the mornings

Hello all. I'm new to this forum. I joined because I have felt completely alone in this until this morning when I stumbled upon a closed thread that related to me. So, thanks in advance for any support/advice. I'm 26/F.

I have always been a very relaxed, even keel person... until a couple of months ago. The day before the bar exam, I woke up feeling nauseous (to be expected) but I continued to throw up and have loose bowels all throughout the exam and through the day after. Seeing as how I have never had test anxiety, I assumed that I was just legitimately sick. However, it has now been over a month and a half since the test, and I have had a severely diminished appetite and cannot get out of bed in the morning without feeling stressed out/nauseous - sometimes reducing me to tears.

-- On a side note, since my teenage years, I have felt sick in the mornings if I wake up before 9ish. This used to go away as the day would continue. --

My live-in boyfriend is the happiest and most consistent person I have ever met - which is wonderful. However, he also thinks I should be able to just get over it - which is NOT wonderful. He is trying to be patient with me, but this is really starting to impact our lives. I'm afraid my anxiety is increasing because he wants me to feel better and I can't seem to heal myself.

For the past two weeks, anytime someone suggests an outing or activity - even if it is still weeks away - I feel cramped up inside, terrified that I won't feel well and want to just stay inside. I almost feel like I wake up scared that I won't feel well. I have recently started to wonder if these physical manifestations are from anxiety, and if that's the case, I seem to feel more anxious about not feeling well than anything else.

My insurance just kicked in and I am planning to visit a doctor. Does this sound like an anxiety disorder? Should I go see a psychiatrist? Should I go get a physical? I have no idea where to start. All I really know right now is that I cannot keep living this way - as this does NOT even feel like living.

Hi LP and welcome! I am so sorry to hear of your recent struggles. I am glad that you are actively seeking a soulution to your problem though, and that you have found us.

Anxiety can cause the symptoms that you are describing. The fact that your symptoms are exacerbated by the thought of doing a particular activity leads one to believe that it is stress induced.

However, I always suggest that a check-up from your doctor is the best place to start, so I am glad you are now insured. Make an appointment and explain all of your symptoms to him/her. It could be that you have anxiety which is causing your troubles, or something that could be treated in a physical way. Only your dr. can tell you for sure.

In the meantime, visit our Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) It is full of links to sites that teach relaxation and breathing techniques. Practice these daily, and you may see a difference in your symptoms! It is amazing how some 'de-stressing' through these coping mechanisms can make a difference.

If after your appointment, you find that you are indeed dealing with anxiety, please feel free to come back with more questions, sharing, or to seek advice. We are always here to support and help:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat