Stomach/digestion problems?

Hey gang,

I just was wondering if anyone else has stomach/digestion problems because of anxiety? Before I started having panic attacks I would have a nervous stomach whenever something made me anxious (presentations, first dates, etc), but ever since my anxiety kicked it up to full time, I find myself with near constant stomach problems.
I've also gotten a healthy fear of internal bleeding, though that has no basis in reality.

I read somewhere that about 20% of people with anxiety or panic disorder also experience IBS, and I'm not sure that my symptoms are severe enough to warrant a doctor's visit, but sometimes it does make me wonder if something is really wrong with me. I have tried eating more bland foods and cutting way back on soda, as well as completely stopped drinking coffee (ugh, I miss it!), but it seems my stomach problems persist. For a while there I was throwing up bile every morning, but thankfully as I've gotten more control over my anxiety that has lessened and I rarely need to take antacids any more.

Regardless, stomach issues are still a concern for me. But I guess that's health anxiety for ya, huh? lol

If anyone has tips/tricks for dealing with the digestion side of anxiety, please let me know!

--Thanks,
Em

Ah, Kitt, thank you, thank you.

As often as I tell other people to "just breathe" when they're feeling anxious or worried, I tend to forget to apply it to myself. I think everyone tends to forget their own advice though, haha.

I have, sadly, experienced all of those forms of anxiety (the stomach, the chest pains, the unstoppable tear fits), but I know that you're right about the things I can to do relax myself again. It's also just good to know that other people are having stomach issues with their anxiety (I should definitely browse more posts when I'm concerned with something).

I also really, really love your last statement. You're exactly right; I have anxiety, but it does not have me. I've never heard it put that way before, but it's really uplifting to hear.

-- Thank you for the support <3,
Em

Hey Cat,

Thank you for the reassurance =)

I had a stomach ulcer when I was a teenager, and I am so paranoid about it coming back sometimes. I think the fact that I had one (even when I afflicted with anxiety at that point), is why I get so concerned with my stomach issues now. It's also great to know that as my anxiety lessons, so will the stomach issues! I tend to think that even without my anxiety, the symptoms I have will still persist, but I'm sure that's not true.

Thanks again,
Em

There is definitely a connection between stress and IBS. It is a fact that anxiety and stress alters how our immune system functions. IBS is affected by our immune system, stress management is crucial for many in their management of IBS symptoms.

Anxiety and stress can trigger colon spasms, the colon is connected to the brain by nerves, it is partly controlled by the nervous system, which responds to stress. For those with IBS the colon can be overly responsive to the slightest anxiety or stress.

Try different things to reduce the stress and anxiety, a few ideas that are easy to implement:
1. Buy a stress ball to squeeze when you feel anxious
2. Go for a walk, get some fresh air
3. Keep a journal, especially of what is making you feel stressed or anxious

Kathy,

Kathy I edited out your url, as it may be a breach of the forum rules.  This is a support group, and while we can give advice...no professional medical advice is allowed, or websites that may be of a vested interest to members. Thank-you.

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 12/6/2011 9:17:31 PM (GMT-7)