Anxiety and nausea

[thebatman]

Hi, I'm 21 years old and I've suffered from anxiety from the around the age of eight. During this time my anxiety continues to change my symptoms, as my resilience builds against current symptoms. Because of this, each time I'm faced with the question - is this anxiety, or am I actually ill this time? As of the past month or so I've been feeling extremely nauseous from time to time, and I've also been light headed and feeling panicked. I made the mistake of googling 'what causes nausea?', and this has now increased my nausea and vertigo severely because of the possible illnesses that could be the root of my symptoms. I was previously unaware that anxiety could actually cause nausea or vertigo, so I suppose a large portion of me is worried that I am suffering an actual illness. It seems when I start to feel nauseous, it gets worse, because it consumes my each and every thought. It has now gotten to the stage where I don't want to leave my bed, and I'm struggling to eat anything at all, in fear it will make me sick. My question is: has anybody else experienced this? and if so, how did you get over the nausea or the feeling as though you're about to faint?

Thank you.

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[Fionac]

I can understand how you feel and know all too well abut googling. I am 44 yrs old and until Aug last yr I had never experienced Anxiety. Due to unbelievable amounts of stress I started to feel nauseous, I then went on the hunt for why I felt sick and would not settle until I had had every test on offer. It all came back normal and I was diagnosed with Anxiety, I felt like I couldn't live, it was terrible I was so sick and losing weight rapidly. In the end I went into a mental health facility where I had a wonderful Physicatrist who finally convinced me that I had Anxiety and not some terrible disease. I then read a book called "A life at Last" and realised what I had to do, get on with my life no matter how I felt. So little by little I went back to doing all my normal things, shopping, kids activities, meeting up with friends and socializing. It has taken me a long time well over a year and I still get the nausea, I have it right now after a week of not having it. I hate it but have learnt to deal with it but it's has not been easy. I walk everyday, I listen to a relaxation script and I eat really healthy plus I take medication. It's not easy and this is a terrible symptom to have and yes having had it for so long I get down. I try to just remember that it will go, I also have no appetite but I just eat what is easy and healthy. I have an amazing husband and am surrounded by great friends which also helps a lot, I have slowly learnt not to hide it either, it's hard to imagine that stress can be so cruel to the body but it can. I have had to learn to not let myself ever be in the same situation ever again and to look after me! Good luck to all of you xx

[Beltane]

Omg yes yes yes! My anxiety presents itself really strongly through nausea. My feelings are all in my stomach so I was always nauseous each and every single day. And I mean severely nauseous to the point I couldn't eat, I lost weight, and struggled to hold down work. I actually ended up unemployed because of it. This went on for years.

My Doctirs did 2 gastroscopies, 1 colonoscopy, 3 ultrasounds, an X-ray with barium meal, and tried numerous medications including really strong anti nausea pills (the kind they give to cancer patients) and anti-acid drugs thinking it was reflux. I also had numerous food intolerance tests done, and tried numerous special diets free of gluten/ dairy/ fructose.

i had every blood test and stool test known to man. You name it I had it.

and then I tried naturopatjy, herbs, acupuncture. 

Nothing medically wrong was ever found, and no diet or herb improved my synptoms. 

My doctors referred me to specialists. A medical team was called together as I had become (and I quote) "a medical mystery".

every day I woke up severely nauseous, dry retching. Nausea would continue all day. If I was lucky it'd be mild enough that I could still function but other days it left me in bed. I went everywhere with a vomit bag- and occasionally had to use it.

panic and anxiety of course made it worse. I went through 5 antidepressahts and all made the nausea (and my anxiety and insomnia) a thousand times worse. I lost weight, though still ate enough to get nourishment and maintain an ok weight.

theraoy works great for ajxiety- I've done 2 years CBT and 6 months ACT. It helped heaps but not matter hoe hard I tried or how much I prsctised the nausea never went. Ever. Not a single day for years on end did it ever go away. 

im aware j can't name medications here but in my case, and maybe yours, it honestly was a med that changed it all. One antideoressant did help- like quite a bit- it helped right from day one.  But it still wasn't good enough- the nausea gig better but was still life destroying.

i becanr severely deoressed and anxious. Living with constant nausea os HELL.

5 days ago I started on a new med- it's a low dose antipsychotic.

ive had 5 full days with not a single lick of nausea. Honest to god. My insomnia is gone also, and my severe anxiety is GONE. not a single panic attack or mood swing.

i really hope this helps you!! If your nausea is caused by anxiety than a med to turn down the anxiety may help!!

[jennyr]

Thankyou for your response.  It is a shame medication isn't named. My mother is currently on medication but it clearly isn't working. They have only tried her on a few medications. The current one was dropped to a low dose as she was shaking so much and very uneasy on her feet but they wont try her on another to see if another will help.  Did you need to go to different doctors to get the medication that suited you?

Glad to hear things are on the right track for you.

Jenny

[Beltane]

Hi Jenny

I had to swap doctors as I got to a point where I felt my old doctor was stuck for answers and kept insisting on antidepressants when we'd tried 5 and the side effects were AWFUL- like i ended up in ED twice and called an ambulance another time. bad bad bad.

Sometimes changing a doctor gives you someone elses opinion, or someone elses ideas. They look at the situation with fresh eyes and can maybe think of something different to try.
You didnt mention how old your mother was, and I'm not sure of course of her diagnosis. If she is heading towards her older years, a doctor maybe be a bit hesitant to put her on certain medication as some meds that are very good for anxiety/ agitation/ panic can make people drowsy especially at the start but sometimes ongoing. In a young person this is a slight nuisance, but in an older person it greatly increases their risk of falls which of course could result in a nasty fracture.

Antidepressants are a common first line treatment. Other second/ third line treatments such as anti-psychotics in low doses (thats what i use) or anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines (which can only be used short-term). I've heard some people with physical symptoms of anxiety including high blood pressure or fast heart rate have benefited from certain heart medications known as beta blockers. There are certain antidepressants and antipsychotics that are more suitable for the older age groups than other drugs- as they dont carry so much of a risk of drowsiness and falls, but can still work wonderfully for agitation and anxiety either on an "as-needed" basis (take one when anxious) or on an everyday basis. I cant name them of course, but a doctor will know which ones.

Of course i am not suggesting medications! No- but these are the kind of medications used in anxiety and depression disorders. And of course there are dozens of different antidepressants, and a dozen anti psychotics. So while one may cause problems, another might be perfect.

[Beltane]

Also again, i dont know how old your mum is, but if shes heading towards her older hyears or in her older years, the lifestyle changes and realities of getting older can be a massive cause of anxiety and depression. I Believe there is a peak of onset of these illness in the older years.

Retirement, loss of spouse, children leaving home and subsequent loss of contact, change of life direction (from being a mother to now not having people to raise), general health changes or decline in health, mental status changes (the older population start to become at risk of dementia which can be a factor in such issues)- all these things and more can be factors in triggering an anxiety or depressive illness..

Is your mother seeking therapy? The Gp can write a Mental health care plan which entitles her to 10 psychologist appointments a year- these will either be very cheap (30-40$ a session) or free if she has a pension/ concession card. You could also help her to find support groups, or even hobbies desgined for older people so she can make new friends. Ideas include Tai Chi exercise groups, sewing circles, free seniors lunches provided by some churches, seniors swimming groups at the local pool, bingo or card-playing groups, or lifestyle therapy groups perhaps based out of your local senior centre. Ask your local council for advice on things in your local area. You mum might need a bit of a push to get here there- maybe go with her if you can- but I'm sure once she starts to make friends she will enjoy it and it'll give her something to do.

This will provide her exercise, social inclusion and companionship. A new hobby might also give her something to look forward to. You already seem to be visiting her and ensuring she is still included in the family- this is so important for the older generation, so that they continue to feel needed and valued by their family. You'd be surprised how much having a sense of feeling needed, and a sense of purpose (something to do) can help the older person struggling with anxiety and depression.

I know this because I used to work in the aged care industry.

[iamadonkey]

Hi, I have this. 32 yrs old with major depression and anxiety. As I am typing this I am trying not to vomit. It sounds like a load of crap but try to reduce the stressors in your life, if thats not possible, try to mediate your reaction to whatever is working you up. If all else fails, anti emetics and deep breaths. I had a very bad episode a couple of years ago where I could not eat without vomiting for months. I got by on multivitamins, full cream milk and isotonic sports drinks. Not ideal, but at least I could function enough until things got better. You should try Iberogast, a herbal remedy. It really works if you stick with ot for a couple of days. Things do get better. Just stay focused on recovering and try to think positive. I always ask myself what's the worst that could happen? And then I say stuff them all. A lot.

[Bengal]

Hi, the batman

Just though I would reply to this thread as your symptoms are so similar to mine. 

Infact right now I am having massive problems dealing with it.. part of the reason I ended up searching these forums was to try to convince myself that everything will be OK. Like you said searching google for other issues will defiantly lead to increased anxiety.

My advive at the moment would be to try your hardest to think about something else or emerse yourself in an intrest or hobby. (One of mine would be driving fast in my wrx 😉 it seems to help a bit anyway. 

I know its not easy.. and the last thing you want to hear from anyone is to try not to think about it.. but I would urge you to try your hardest, and remember, it will pass and things will get better. 

[Vasco]

I'm so sorry you are feeling this way. I have been having problems for the last three years. I had the flu in 2011 that lasted for weeks and had this nausea that wouldn't go away. Whilst I was sick with the flu I got gastro then straight after that I had my first bout of vertigo that lasted two weeks. I had my first panic attack around then and remember ringing the ambulance thinking I was having a heart attack. Anyway had tests done and they put it down to anxiety. I kept taking my antidepressants as I was already suffering from depression and I started seeing a psychologist. I have improved a lot since then but I still feel sick each day and worry I have gastro or food poisoning. I hate going out for meals as I'm worried I'll get sick.  I know logically that if I DO vomit it's not the end of the world but the fear is so strong that I'm afraid I'll never get over this. I normally do breathing exercises take my dog for a walk and I've just starting exercising again. I'm hoping that will help. I also found out last April that I have a hiatus hernia which doesn't help. One doc said it was probably due to stress..I believe that! Thank you for sharing your story. It's comforting to know I am not alone. I hope you feel better very soon 🙂

[NYC223]

Hi batman!!! I couldn't believe how much your post resonated with my own condition at the moment!!! In a way it gave me so much comfort!!! I have had anxiety since I was about 8 as well and to this day, it has always got me in my stomach. I will always have diarrhea, severe cramps, bloating, fullness and constant burping because of my anxiety. I have a strong fear of getting ill and therefore, these symptoms of anxiety actually increases my anxiety and I feel worse- quite the process. Although this is a regular occurence for me, I am not on any medication because I believe in trying to deal with it myself even though it is hard at times. However, I have taken a few natural supplements. Also, I find that when I actually tell someone everything that is stressing me, I feel more at ease. Breathing exercises are also key!!! I was in public, just came out of a restaurant and because I was a little bit full, I started to have a panic attack and my dad made me feel good as new by leading me through some breathing exercises!!! Breathe in for 10 seconds while clasping your hands together and reaching to the sky as far as you can, lifting up on your tip-toes and then release for 10 seconds, bringing your hands down slowly and relaxing back on your feet- repeat this.

You're symptoms are totally normal for an anxiety

sufferer. It is a serious condition, but believe me when I say it is manageable with some work and training and you are not the only one!!!

All the best 🙂

xxx

[Beltane]

I respect others decision to not go on medication.

But I want to share my story.

i have shared it above but j say it again: my anxiety gave me endles endless nausea- all day every day, it I was lucky I'd get a mild day and I'd be able to actually enjoy life a bit. More often than not though, it was severe to th point of vomiting. I lost weight through lack of appetite. 

i had dozens of tests done, including very invasive colonoscopies and gastroscopies, I went on powerful medications for a nausea that did nothing. Doctors were astounded- how could those medications not work?!

then I spent years and hundreds of dollars on natural medicine, in Chinese medicine, on all sorts of herbs and supplements. Nothing ever worked.

some of the first psychiatric medications I tried made me even sicker, so I too thought that I needed to deal without them.

but the I found the treatment I'm on now. Within 24 hours- yes 24 hours- of taking the first dose, the nausea vanished. Just like that. Gone. With it, the anxiety disappeared, the constant mood swings and depression gone.

its been 6 months and I'm still not quite used to feeling this good. I still am just needlessly grateful that one little tablet taken each night has made me able to lead a normal life. Now I can have the career of my dreams, I can have hobbies and friends, I can have anything I want without anxiety depression or nausea to hold me back.

no more spending each day trying not to vomit,

The truth is, a mental illness needs proper treatment , just like any physical illness does. Would you think a cancer patient was weak for getting chemo? Would you tell a diabetic person that it was better they not take their insulin and just "deal with it".

You don't get extra points for refusing medications that could help. I'm not saying you have to take medication, but for many of us it makes our lives a lot better- amazingly better.

I still have to fight- I still have to see my psychologist and practise all my coping techniques, I still have to enforce healthy lifestyle changes like good sleep, exercise and good food. I don't get a free pass just because I'm on medication.

the medication just removes enough of the awful physical symptoms so I can actually enjoy life again.

🙂 worth it!