The thoughts and pressures from anxiety sometimes lead to feeling sick with worry. It can develop into actually physical symptoms that cause abdominal discomfort. Stomach and intestinal problems, along with other ailments, can result from constant anxiety, HealthCentral notes. Continued abdominal discomfort causes further anxiety, creating a cycle for some people. Dealing with symptoms can relieve the discomfort, but abdominal problems may persist if the anxiety remains. Overcoming anxiety helps to reduce or relieve physical symptoms.
Stress
Mild anxiety or anxiety that occurs occasionally can cause stomach or gastrointestinal trouble. Stressful conditions at work, loss of a loved one or temporary financial problems bring on anxiety. Mental and physical symptoms can last for days or weeks until the problems subside. Abdominal problems may occur during the entire time.
Disorder
Excessive nervousness, fear or worries indicate anxiety disorders that can make people feel they suffer from real illnesses, according to Medical News Today. People with generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic attacks or post-traumatic stress disorder have chronic anxiety that can produce frequent physical symptoms, including abdominal discomfort. These severe forms of anxiety have a debilitating effect on some people's daily lives because of the emotional and physical reactions.
Effects
Abdominal discomfort includes simple reactions, such as fluttering feelings in the stomach caused by nervousness before an important event. Other people may experience stomach aches or nauseous feelings that interfere with their abilities to perform daily tasks, HealthCentral explains. Cramps, diarrhea, nausea and indigestion can range from mild to severe for people with anxiety, depending on the person or the condition. People with anxiety disorders may also experience headaches, muscle tension, trembling, fatigue or dizziness.
Relief
Treating abdominal discomfort helps to relieve the physical symptoms while dealing with the anxiety. Eating smaller meals several times a day or eating at a slower pace reduces anxiety and helps the stomach digest food more effectively. Drinking plenty of liquids replaces lost fluids for people suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. Over-the-counter medications relieve symptoms for a variety of abdominal problems. Doctors can prescribe stronger medications when necessary. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, produce calming effects to relieve anxiety.
Prevention/Solution
Professional treatment reduces or eliminates emotional and physical symptoms for people with anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Treatment often consists of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants help to keep patients under control while they talk over their problems and the reasons for their anxiety with a therapist. Therapy works individually or within a group to eventually help people overcome their anxiety.
