Loss of appetite & nausea

[Chozzy]

Hi all,

I struggle with anxiety and recently I've had a lot of days where I've completely lost my appetite and felt really nauseas. For instance, today I went out for lunch with a friend and felt like I was forcing myself to eat and only ate maybe 10 chips total. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage this? It doesn't happen everyday but it's obviously not healthy to have days without eating.

[MsPurple]

HI Chozzy.

Sorry to hear your anxiety is having such bad physical side effects. I was just wondering if you see a GP or therapist about your anxiety. For me this was crucial as I couldn't get better without some support. Both helped me learn how to reduce my anxiety and manage it long term.

When I'm really anxious I also lose my appetite. It happens because your nervous system is so stimulated and heightened you body wants to focus on the important thinks. It's like the fight or flight mechanism. When I feel this way and I know I need to have some nutrients I try things like

-Saladas or crackers with either peanut butter or dip. Something small but has some carbohydrates and protein

-smoothie or milo.(if I'm really struggling for a few days I'll try drink some of these as well as crackers)

-museli bars and a banana

-small frequent meals (instead of 3 bigger meals have 5 small meals or snacks)

-some people say lemon and ginger tea helps with stomach problems as well as helping you calm your anxiety

Hope some of these ideas help

MP

[BballJ]

Hi Chozzy,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

I struggle with anxiety as well, have for around 10 years and I know when I have high anxiety levels, I have no appetite what so ever and almost feel like I want to throw it up after I eat it. Have you ever had your anxiety tended to, as in have you ever spoken to your GP about it and tried to understand why you suffer from anxiety?

Do you find that when you having high anxiety levels that is causes the loss of appetite or is it simply just random?

My best for you,

Jay

[cakeboss]

Hi there i know that feeling when you just cant eat its horrible.It actually makes me anxiety worse and i find that i just cant seem to eat much when my anxiety is bad.I have drs visits and i find reasurance from the gp helpful.My doctor will say that its not practical the only things i can eat at that time but drinking alot water is also the most important of all.I find when my anxiety is bad that i cant eat in the mornings only can stomach rasion toast maderines or bananas anything else and i feel so sick like vomiting.Its unfortuately part of anxiety and some of us have that part and yes it sucks.I was told to try and distract myself when my anxiety is at its worst and i worry if i cant eat dr mentioned nice walk get heart rate up so i tried it .It does help and relaxation tapes i was given but unfortuately dont work for me yet when my anxiety is bad.i find music has been my saviour and deep breathing while music is on.My gp said im going to have good days and bad days and it will get better it isnt easy being a anxiety panic attack disorder which i have and think any little health issue is major and sets of my anxiety .Im working with a pscycitrist at moment

[Chozzy]

Thanks for your help. I'll try eating smaller things throughout the day. I have seen my GP but the psychologist she referred me to has been away so I'm yet to see her. I'll see her soon though.

[Chozzy]

Thanks Jay. Yeah I've seen my GP. It hasn't been a symptom of my anxiety until more recently I think. I would put anxiety as the cause as sometimes I can eat normally.

[Chozzy]

Sorry to hear you're going through a similar situation. I'll try to keep my fluids up and exercise and hopefully I'll eventually be back to 'normal' 😄 I guess if you work on improving/challenging your anxiety then your symptoms will change along with that.

[BballJ]

Hi Chozzy,

I think that is where working on the anxiety will be of great benefit to you, if you can understand what causes you anxiety and how to cope with it, then it helps to alleviate these sorts of symptoms. I have many anxiety symptoms, nausea and loss of appetite is just one of mine but I did find when I finally reached out for help that it eased them up a bit too.

My best,

Jay

[Louise24]

Hi chozzy,

I suffer from the same when I'm anxious, I try to eat but I feel too sick and can't stomach anything. And when you can't eat for hours or days, you get more anxious and have no energy and therefore feel worse. I find that breathing exercises can help the nausea and then once I've calmed down a little I can sometimes have a smoothie!

hopefully you can find something that works for you!

[Meowface]

Hi Chozzy I used to get this more than I do now. But I agree with MsPurple - honestly forget the standard breakfast, lunch, dinner idea when your tummy is concrete with stress. Make your own rules and listen to your body - it might be smoothies, soft sandwiches (like peanut butter/jam on bread), yoghurt, muesli bars, ice cream - don't panic it is very common and your body's reaction to the stress. Even orange juice instead of a big breakfast in the morning can at least give you some energy. But long term def speak to your GP if there's no improvement because you'll want to make sure you're getting good nutrients long term 🙂