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Digestive issues long term stress and anxiety

Mina19
Community Member
I don’t want to get into too much detail but a few years back something really bad happened to me at high school one of my teachers exposed themselves to me and some other girls he’s in jail now but since all that happened I’ve gotten really bad anxiety and stress and on top of that out of nowhere my stomach started playing up and when I think about what happened I have to run to the bathroom. I don’t know if it’s because technically you are alone in the bathroom and it’s a way to calm down but it’s almost like all this has caused my stomach to mess up 😞 anyone going through something similar like the physical symptoms?
6 Replies 6

Jason_G
Community Member
Hi Mina! I just joined the forum today after I experienced a few anxiety attacks over the past week. Mine seems to have been brought on by a severe leg injury I suffered which has left me immobile for the time being. Anyway I had an anxiety attack today and it seemed to have been brought on by digestive issues or something. I just felt so bloated etc and for some reason it triggered my anxiety and breathing increased so I can definitely relate! just trying to calm myself down now for the rest of the night.

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Mina19

I am very sorry for what happened to you in high school.

I understand what you have been going through with your anxiety and the digestive issues and its a awful place to be in for sure

Any level of anxiety can have an immediate effect on our digestive system. Its happened to me so many times I have lost count.

Our digestive system is most sympathetic to anxiety and will react when we are in an anxious state...and yes unfortunately with having to rush to the toilet....which can be super embarrassing not to mention awkward!

Can I ask if you have a GP that you can talk too? The reason I ask this is because the earlier our anxiety is treated the better our recovery will be. Your symptoms are very common where digestive issues are concerned

These awful anxiety symptoms will reduce in severity Mina19. Making a double appointment to have a open chat with your GP is a huge start.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by doing so 🙂

Thankyou heaps for posting with us. I hope you can post back with any questions or thoughts whenever its convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

Mina19
Community Member

Hi Paul,

thanks for your response. It kinda put me at ease that it’s not just me going thru this. I actually haven’t told anyone other than the police and my mum regarding what happened to me I actually want to get counselling eventually but I just find it hard to actually speak to anyone about this as it’s a really sensitive issue. But thanks so much for the help. 🙂

Hello Mina19

You are amazing for being so proactive with your well being and reaching out. I am happy that you are kind of at ease. It can be difficult to talk about. I hope you can let us provide you with some support

The forums are a SAFE and judgement free place where you can post what is on your mind. If you ever get stuck Beyond Blue also have super caring people available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636

Thankyou for taking the time and posting back 🙂

You are not alone

My kind thoughts

Paul

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Mina19, I can't explain how awful this experience must have been, but thankfully he's now in gaol and got a record against his name which will do him more harm than good.

I have also had the same experience many times myself and genuinely happens at the most inconvenient time.

It would be a good idea to have some counselling and know that you are a bit afraid to open up to a psychologist, but there are ways to overcome this.

Write down on a piece of paper, with your mum being with you what has happened, but put down in your last sentence that this is very difficult to talk about, then the psychologist will take this issue slowly.

If you want you can take your mum with you and in actual fact, your mum may also need some counselling herself.

Both of these can be provided on a 'mental health plan' which the GP can provide and what it does is allow you to have 10 free sessions per year with a psychologist.

Another option is to contact Reachout, these people are trained but dress in casual clothes and could be something to think about.

My best wishes.

Geoff.

Mina19
Community Member
Thank you for the kind advice Geoff. I will actually do that and write everything down I’m too nervous and anxious to speak about then give it to the psychologist.