could my bowel problems be related to anxiety?

Posted , 3 users are following.

i have always pooped once a week. it's normal for me.

but recently, i was constipated for two weeks, and then i started pooping more often.

there were three days separating my latest vowel movements. i still feel a little full after i go and my stool seem hard and big, despite the fact that i have almost no problems passing them. aside from that they are normal. i have cramps between my bowel movements and i also feel gassy. im going back to school next week, so could this be related to me being anxious over this? i worry that it's colon cancer but i've had blood tests in september and x rays in november that came out normal, and its rare in people my age.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes, put colon cancer out of your mind. It's unheard of for your age.  It's mostly in people 50 and older. 

      Your symptoms are most likely caused by anxiety  

     When I was in college I got horrible intestinal cramping because I was so stressed out.  I was constipated ones for almost a month! So yes stress and anxiety can definitely do this.  Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids. To reduce your symptoms 

     listen to some meditations on YouTube for stress and anxiety. They completely calm me down .

     sometimes drinking something warm like herbal tea with a little honey can soothe your intestines. 

    You will be fine.  😁??

    • Posted

      thank you for your reply!

      it helped me calm down a bit

      i drink a lot of water, and it helped me pass the worst constipation part.

      what scares me more thought is that i'm pooping way more frequently, despite being a bit constipated. but bowels become more active during the fight or flight response right? so could my frequent movements be caused by that?

    • Posted

      Yes frequent bowel movement can be caused by anxiety and fight or flight response because everything speeds up. 

      Try to relax your mind because that will calm your body.

      The mind is a powerful thing and when it's anxious, the body responds with symptoms.

      If your symptoms continue just visit your doctor who can possibly prescribe something to relax your intestines.

  • Posted

    Hi Cam, yup anxiety and some meds can cause bowels to be irregular and constipation, nothing to worry about, like everyone said drink plenty water. NeilĀ 

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