Lived Experience Forum

[Sarah96]

So I’ve come to the conclusion that I have got a form of anxiety. My Dr had mentioned it a while ago but I instantly ignored the thought as I function so well.

My problem is this. I randomly get bad bouts of gastro, the first time it happened was at 15 when I went on exchange away from home for a year. I just had it constantly for a year. It has started up again and been going for the last 18 months. I don’t know how to deal with it and I don’t know what services are available but I get bed ridden for two days when it starts. I also have two kids that I never leave and have just moved towns. I really want to make a plan for improvement or strategies to recognise I’m feeling anxious before I get to that bedridden stage but have no clue how.
Don’t know if that’s explained it but hope someone has thoughts I can try.

[Queenie]

Hi @Sarah96 and welcome to SANE forums! 🙂 I'm sure you'll find loads of support from members who live with anxiety.

It is interesting that you say you have lived with gastro for such a long time. Is it possible that this illness is anxiety related? I have experienced gastro-like symptoms (nausea and diarrhoea) as part of the body's flight and fight mechanism. The body basically cannot have normal digestion when it is experiencing anxiety. I am wondering if it is similar for you?

In any case, have you considered talking to your family doctor about your anxiety? It might be a good first point of call. They may refer you to a psychologist which is either free or heavily subsidised for 10 sessions under a mental health care plan (MHCP). 

Again warmest of welcome to the forum! 🙂 

[Sarah96]

@Queenie I actually don’t notice my anxiety until it becomes gastro but it lines up so often with things that I can’t avoid it anymore. Having recently moved I’m in the process of finding a new gp and trying to find someone I’m comfortable talking with! But for sure! Is there anything I can try and do to like not be anxious? I’m so new to it all and don’t know where to start. I think I just bottle so much up that it’s a manisfestation everything ?

Thank you for the welcome!!!

[Appleblossom]

Hi @Sarah96

Your post resonated with me in the sense that at times I can be quite detached from my feelings and not recognise them, though I dont have the gastro symptoms.  I am wondering if you work on it in a 2 pronged manner ... improving gut health and dealing with the psychology or situations that generate anxiety.

Good Luck with it and Welcome to the forum.