Stomach pains/loss of appetite

[Blondie2311]

For the last 2 weeks I have barely eaten anything due to anxiety. Every time I do eat I feel sick and I get really bad stomach pains. Is this common? Does any one have any tips for dealing with this? I'm starting to feel so exhausted

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Blondie2311,

Anxiety can provoke feelings of nausea. Anxiety is a stress response, so think about the 'Fight or Flight' symptoms e.g. rapid breathing, rapid pulse, tense muscles etc. When we are frightened in a panic the blood rushes to the parts of our body to prepare us for action, so the stomach slows down a bit as it's not needed at that moment. So yes, it can be a common symptom. But, it would be remiss to assume to put everything under the MH label and to suggest that it is always worth getting things checked out with your doctor in case you may be ill with something else.

Hope this helps,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[natashaj1210]

I get like that when I'm really stressed. When I can't eat I try to at least drink some Ensure. I get nauseous sometimes... that's also why I don't want to eat so I take a prescription for that and/or drink club soda.