Physical Symptoms

[ECM]

Hi all, this is my first thread.
Currently in one of the worst depressive/anxiety episodes I’ve ever been in.
I am also suffering with terrible physical symptoms which include constant stomach upsets. I’m interested to know what others who suffer this find to eat that assists?

[blondguy]

Hi ECM

Welcome to the forums and good on you for having the courage to post too!

I understand what you are going through as I used to have chronic anxiety/depression on and off for 30+ years and it can be dark place to be in...especially with digestive issues...ugh!

Our digestive system is the most sympathetic to anxiety/depression...Its like our body is letting us know we are going through a difficult/stressful/anxious time

I have placed a Beyond Blue forum link below for you that will hopefully provide some peace of mind re our digestive issues and how common digestive problems really are

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/what-physical-feelings-of-anxiety-do-you-get

Even though its a long thread I hope you can let us know if it has been of some help ECM 🙂

To answer your question ECM...I eat some 'angel hair' pasta (with the toppings) just to solidify my system ..just low level carbs...and dumping the coffee always helps too. Having a good talk to our GP can also be a huge help and also 'unwind' the tightness in our digestive system too..When I am stuck I always make a double appointment with my GP....I always feel so much better after doing so...Just my humble opinion of course 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[GimZim]

I have so many weird symptoms, I had no idea they were related to my mental health until the last year or two.

I used to get nauseated leaving the house and would retch a lot which only stopped if I stayed in my house. This started when I was being bullied at school. Turns out it was agoraphobia and social anxiety.

If I'm very upset I have stomach upsets, if I get very angry I get hot all over, a very upset stomach, etc. I found out recently I do this "muscle armoring" thing where my body has been tense all the time for years and has resulted in me being sore all over.

I have a really fantastic psychologist who will notice in sessions once I'm becoming too upset, will do grounding exercises and mindfulness and help me pinpoint what parts of my body I'm feeling things in. It's really reduced these physical symptoms. I think I was dissociating for so long that my body started acting wacky to make me pay attention to it.

When fight, flight or freeze is activated you get bowel urgency, it happens to other animals too. You can avoid things like caffeine and dairy if you know you're going to be in a stressful situation but I'm not sure about what helps when you're already experiencing it.

[Emmen]

Hello ECM,

I can't talk for digestive issues specifically, but in general, I find that it helps to actually acknowledge in our minds that the problem is related to anxiety/depression and to address that along with the physical symptoms. Things get worse when we focus on the physical sensations alone and get even more uncomfortable and anxious (sort of like a cycle that just makes the physical symptoms worse). So yes, have some simple, plain solid foods, but also practice mindfulness and meditation to take care of your mind.

Warmly,
Emmen