Does anybody have this issue? Stress, Anxiety and Digestion

[SDeliahS]

Hi,

I am feeling quite alone with my issue, I have never spoken to anyone that experiences the exact issue that I have.

- I will go through a period of feeling good, happy and energetic - no health concerns whatsoever and I think clearly. If anything I feel excited, but like a good stress, for example working on an interesting project at work or meeting with friends. This will last between a week to a month. I feel like I'm living normally.

- Then I will all of a sudden start feeling 'off' (with no obvious triggers, its almost like my body starts not coping anymore). I get anxiety in the evenings, get cramps in my gut after eating. I will then start feeling dizzy after talking to people, my stomach pains get so bad I can't eat, and my anxiety will go through the roof. I then need to take it easy for a while to allow my body to recover. It feels as if my body gets exhausted from feeling 'normal' and I need to recover by not doing much and not experiencing emotions as they'd affect my body to the extreme.

This cycle has started to repeat itself over a few years now.

My grandfather had bipolar, but I googled it and can't identify with it. I still think rationally when I feel 'normal' and don't make rash decisions. I also don't feel depressed. I have seen psychologists but they just give me the 'anxiety' label.

Help! Does anybody experience what I experience?

[PamelaR]

Hello SDeliahS

Your life is certainly causing concern for you. I must say that I can relate to those symptoms you experience very well.

Firstly though, well done on finding your way to the Beyond Blue (BB) forums and sharing your story. The people who respond to posts are friendly, supportive, caring and respect privacy.

Have you discussed your symptoms with your GP? While I can relate quite well with the chronic stomach problems from the anxiety I experience for years, you'd best get it checked with them.

Do a search on google - Beyond Blue anxiety symptoms

This may help in some way, though it's best to get professional guidance from your GP.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Anxiousandiknowit]

Hi SDeliahS

I am going through exactly the same thing!. Im hating it to and its driving me crazy especially as i am breastfeeding and i have to eat but i cant bring myself to eat because i feel nauseous but then i do and i feel like im going to be sick. Im seeing a great psychologist who doesnt label it as anxiety.

[SDeliahS]

Hi Pamela,

thank you for your response, I have been to numerous GPs and also to a gastroenterologist who conducted an endoscopy. I'm apparently all good, all my results are fine. Which is good in a way but not helpful in another as I don't understand why I get these issues. I do mindfulness, meditate, exercise, eat well, don't drink alcohol or coffee.

What helps you? Do I just need to become a recluse and no longer socialise? This way if I don't overstimulate my brain then maybe I won't have the bad symptoms?

[SDeliahS]

Oh wow that would be so tough, did it start when you had your baby or did you have these issues beforehand?

im scared of having kids one day as if I can't cope now and I don't have kids, how will I cope caring for someone else 😢

I was also wondering, what does your psychologist label it as, if they don't say anxiety?

[PamelaR]

Hello SDeliahS

I gave up 'dairy'. It has helped a bit. Though overall, I used to have acupuncture for many years. This did help some of my different ailments, night sweats, upset tummy. If you believe in eastern view of your body, your tummy (it's 'upsetness') can be directly related to anxiety. The extension of that is the - pain, caused through trauma is caught there. It needs releasing. I have used various methods of release, as indicated acupuncture, but also breathing techniques. Also, one of the things that helped me tremendously was having a good cry, very deep cry - right from the stomach. Releasing all the pain. Hope this is not too far out of your scope of understanding or beliefs.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[SDeliahS]

Thank you for the advice, I tried acupuncture but I don't think I went to a good place, so I will try another place.

Yes! How good does it feel to have a deep cry after feeling unwell. I agree I feel better after that.