Anxiety -tummy

[Bree30]

Hi all,

i have huge anxiety about social situations. I struggle to feel comfortable and always need to make sure I have an out- be it... being able to get out of the space or room, or an out to leave the party. I also hAve anxiety that I will wee or poo myself. This is the result of my anxiety affecting my tummy, making me anxious and making me need to rush to the toilet quickly.

Am I the only one this happens too? I’m only 30 and I feel like my body is letting me down at the prime of my life 😞

[Matches]

Hi Bree30,
I’m sorry to hear your social anxiety is causing you so much distress, I believe the problems you describe such as ‘having an out’ and bladder and bowel problems are all part of the fight or flight response. It’s really very common to have these symptoms with severe anxiety. Have you discussed this with your GP, these symptoms can be very difficult to control with counselling alone, you may need to discuss medication options? Please don’t be embarrassed seeking help, it is quite natural. Hope this helps😊

[Mina19]

Hi Bree:)

finally someone with a similar issue to me! I have very bad anxiety most days and if there’s one thing that it affects most it’s my stomach. When the anxiety kicks in I feel like a churning in my tummy then have to all of a sudden run to do number 2.

ive been to the docs many times about my anxiety it all started after I was almost sexually assaulted in high school by a male teacher (I don’t want to get to into the issue) but yeah I hate the anxiety and worry and wish it would just disappear.

but try to stay calm I know it’s not as easy as it sounds but you’ll be ok soon

x

[T92]

Hi bree,

I am the exact same I always think of any excuse I can to leave early if need be but also ways map out where the toilets are and constantly carry a spew bag in my handbag.
I refuse to eat out as I worry the food will make me sick and I'll not make it to a toilet, (I can't eat oily foods as it is as they give me a upset tummy as well as vomiting) I basically haven't had a meal out in about 2 years! I feel like everyone constantly judges me for not ordering food sswell as alot of things are very food orientated. People always say "you'll be fine it's all in your head" but that's easier said then done!

[Bree30]

Thanks for the reply everyone. I have discussed it with my GP. But she always brings it back to my weight. I also eat when I’m stressed etc but these situations can occur when I have purposely not eaten to avoid an embarrassing situation. So it’s very frustrating. I’ve had lots of tests to try and figure out if it’s all in my head as anxiety and maybe I have something wrong with my gut. So I’ve had colonoscopies, endoscopies, blood tests, ibs testing, diet changes. And I can never avoid it. I even remember the 2 events that triggered this anxiety. They both happened when I was quite young and busting to go to the toilet and had no control to get there for various reasons( without going into specifics). I’ve tried hypnotherapy. I feel like I’ve tried everything. Imodium can be a life saver but I don’t want to be taking that regularly.

It is weird to say it nice that I’m no the only one. It’s good to hear how other people are dealing with the issue too.

[Bree30]

I feel you.

Its so debilitating. I feel like I can never enjoy myself or relax. It’s very socially isolating. I feel terrible for my husband who wonders why I want to stay home all the time or go to the toilet 10 times before we leave.

What has the doctor advised you??

[ATHL2017]

Oh bree30, thank you for posting this. I am always mad about having to use the bathroom as my anxiety makes me sick. I'm so glad I'm not the only one and I also don't want to go out because of this.

Hoping for a solution without antidepressants but I can't find it.

[Whatsinaname]

I will probably not get this exactly right but it's a case of evolution working against us.

We used to have to fight or flight a lot in life, e.g. a wild animal trying to kill us.

As soon as flight kicks in all your blood rushes to legs etc o you can run faster. The side effect of this is you bladder etc are left to their own devices.

I'm pretty sure that's about right. For a better explanation check put Not another anxiety show podcast.

[Bree30]

Same! I don’t really want to take medication. I’m trying to deal with it naturally. Breathing,’not catastraphizing, using meditation, hypnotherapy, eating well, drinking well. But I actually can’t enjoy any social occasion. I’m either in the toilet or thinking about the next time I need the toilet 😞

[Think_to_much]

Such a help to know I’m not just making up these symptoms in my own head. Mine presents as nausea! Fine one minute... not the next.

That squirming gut just makes me and everyone around me blue.

Blessed to have support from family but good check in to know there are others and I’m not alone.

My warmest hugs to all who suffer.