anxiety and depression causing nausea?

[Luke1993]

How can I get a rough idea if anxiety and depression is causing my nausea and constipation? I was a heavy drinker for a few years and benzodiazepines for a year but stopped 6 months ago and that’s when I started having problems I have been suffering from nausea for 6 months and constipation for 3 months. I used to drink to cover up my anxiety and depression so it all came back when I stopped drinking but much worse than ever. If I drink now it makes me more anxious polar opposite of before I hate the feeling I don’t know what’s happened. I don’t want to drink again but I want to know why the sudden change in my head when having a little bit. Doesn’t seem like anything sets my nausea off I avoid spicy food though and large amounts of cheese makes me more constipated. I had an endoscopy and it didn’t show anything and have been told I would benefit from having a barium swallow. How will I know or get a rough idea if it could be in my head without all these tests? My anxiety is very bad I only go to the shop when it’s dark I have to get a taxi I leave the house 2 times per month. My hands are very dry as I wash them constantly and too scared to eat any meat products in case I get ill or raw vegetables because I worry about ecoli. When I feel very nauseous it’ll last a few hours or a few days but food or my head doesn’t seem to set it off as my head is always feeling the same. But in general when I’m eating I can only have small meals because I get too full and that can make me nauseous but only for ten minutes or so until my food settles.

I would appreciate any replies thank you

[Irishisme]

I know with myself I wake up nauseous but can’t tell the difference between hunger and nausea. I feel “butterflies “ in my stomach as well. I do know that this is stress and anxiety because I didn’t have it before a traumatic event occurred in my life. I would say all the issues you were covering up before with alcohol are finally showing themselves and although it feels terrible it’s a good thing. I’m no dr but I don’t think a barium is what you need. Have you gone to therapy? If you aren’t ready for that try watching YouTube videos. There’s a lot of good information out there. But definitely I’d recommend a therapist. Good luck!🍀

[blackcat64013]

Hi Luke1993,Thanks for your post.

Each person has a different chemistry so we can't definitely determine what's happening.

On the flip side, when we are under stressful situations, our guts can react with nausea and constipation. The many nerves along the length of the gut are unhappy so we feel the consequences.

[mizzou7016]

PSA: I am in no way a medical or mental health professional....this post is completely based on my opinions and personal experiences....and should be thought of as such

there are several things that could be causing your issues....the nausea could be caused by your body's natural detoxification process....your body has gone so long with the things that when you suddenly get rid of them it takes the body time to recover, repair, and adapt. Are you on any medications....the main side effects of most anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, and other mood stabilizers include nausea and constipation....i'm having constipation issues myself but I know what is causing mine....it's my weight suppression medication.....i'd say go to a doctor or emergency room as soon as you can....see if you can get it figured out

[LunarEcho24]

I have constipation issues, I think as a result of stress and anxiety, but it might also be a medication side effect. I'm trying to drink a lot of water and eat fiber and make sure I'm eating. I had lost weight from not eating much since I didn't have much appetite due to anxiety and depression.

I imagine you are malnourished and your gut bacteria is not healthy. I'm not a medical expert or nutritionist, but doesn't sound like you're in a healthy pattern. If you don't eat vegetables or meat, what are you eating? Just processed foods? You probably need to drink more water and eat healthy foods. I know you are concerned about tainted food, but the odds are low, you can rinse the vegetables, and cook the meat. If you're on medications, that might be a factor with your nausea?

I hope you can find a way to get healthier. It sounds like your body is have trouble with the changes and hasn't stabilized? I hope you can find a medical professional that can address the issue, and maybe the right kind of food and water intake can help? Please take care.