Nerves In The Stomach Due To Anxiety: Symptoms And Treatment

Nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment

The “nervous stomach” feeling is a common symptom of anxiety. When a person experiences anxiety, the body goes into a state of alert, which can trigger a series of physical responses, including those that affect the gastrointestinal system such as the nerves in the stomach.

Often, the symptoms it presents can lead to confusion, as organic and psychological factors intermingle. In general, these types of manifestations arise in moments of uncertainty, discomfort and/or anger that trigger high levels of anxiety. In this PsychologyFor article, we explain the characteristics of the nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment.

Symptoms of nerves in the stomach due to anxiety

Symptoms of nervous stomach anxiety can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Feeling of butterflies: Many people describe a feeling of “butterflies in the stomach” or a nervous feeling in the abdominal area.
  • Nausea: Anxiety can cause nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort: You may experience pain, discomfort, or a feeling of pressure in the stomach area.
  • Increased heartburn: Anxiety can cause an increase in stomach acid production, which can lead to heartburn and heartburn.
  • Changes in bowel habits – Some people experience diarrhea or, in other cases, constipation as a result of anxiety.
  • Loss or increase in appetite: Anxiety often affects eating habits, which can lead to a lack of appetite or overeating.
  • Bloating or gas: Anxiety can make the digestive system more prone to bloating and gas buildup.
  • muscle contractions: You may feel contractions or spasms in your stomach muscles.
  • Urgency to urinate or frequent urination: Anxiety can affect bladder function and cause an urgent need to urinate or more frequent urination.

It is important to remember that symptoms can vary in intensity, duration and frequency in different people. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of anxiety that significantly affect your quality of life, we recommend seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to evaluate and treat your anxiety effectively. In this article, we give you tips on How to calm anxiety in the moment.

Treatment of nerves in the stomach due to anxiety

Treating “nervous stomach” symptoms caused by anxiety usually involves addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety. Here are some strategies and approaches that may be helpful:

  • Talk therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used approach to treating anxiety. In CBT, you will work with a therapist to identify and change patterns of negative thinking and behavior that contribute to anxiety.
  • Relaxation therapy – Like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, they can help reduce anxiety symptoms and calm nerves in the stomach.
  • Regular exercise: It is beneficial for mental health and can help reduce anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that can improve mood and reduce stress.
  • Healthy nutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding foods that can trigger gastrointestinal problems, such as caffeine and spicy foods, can help relieve symptoms in the stomach.
  • Avoid alcohol and nicotine: They can worsen anxiety symptoms and affect the gastrointestinal system. Avoiding its consumption can be beneficial.
  • Medicines – In some cases, a doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medication to help manage anxiety symptoms. These medications may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other medications as evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  • Social support: Talking to friends and family about your concerns and receiving emotional support can be helpful. Sometimes simply expressing your feelings can help reduce anxiety.
  • Stress management techniques: Learning to manage stress is essential in the treatment of anxiety. This may include learning to set boundaries, manage time effectively, and reduce responsibilities when possible.

Nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment - Treatment of nerves in the stomach due to anxiety

How to prevent nerves in the stomach due to anxiety

Preventing stomach jitters caused by anxiety involves adopting strategies and lifestyle changes that help reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety. Here are some measures that may be useful to prevent them:

  • Rest and self-care – Spend time doing self-care activities, such as reading, music, a relaxing bath, or any activity that helps you relax and unwind.
  • Avoid overexposure to sources of stress: Identify the sources of stress in your life and, when possible, avoid overexposure to anxiety-inducing situations or people.
  • Digital disconnection – Limit the time you spend on electronic devices and social media. Constant exposure to stressful news or information can increase anxiety.
  • quality sleep: Carrying out effective sleep hygiene provides the possibility of having quality sleep. It is important to find a quiet space away from distracting factors to sleep well.
  • Anxiety Education – Learn about anxiety and its symptoms. The more you understand your condition, the better you can manage it.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.

Bibliography

  • Gómez, G. (2008). Freud: nervous diseases, anguish and stress. Or status of the body involved in the subject’s ailments. Affectio Societatis Magazine, 9 (1), 1-21.

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