How to tell if it's a stomach virus or anxiety??

Posted , 6 users are following.

All day I have been feeling very ill, for example nausea, 3 bowel movements, dizziness and lack of appetite(which started within the last few hours) .

How can I know whether I am getting a stomach bug or my anxiety? I have severe emetophobia and was recently diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder. But this feels very real and am very nervous this is a stomach virus.

Does anyone have any techniques on knowing whether it is a stomach virus or anxiety? Please help me, I am very anxious!!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Well I am no doctor but I can share my own experience with you, I have chronic anxiety and 8 weeks ago it got really out of hand.

    Amongst my symptoms i have severe stomach disturbance, some days I have as many as 10 bowel movements, yes that many, I am very gassy, can't eat due to lost appetite and nausea and it does all feel very real.

    In fact I have had tests related to my symptoms and they found no physical causes at all, it is all caused by anxiety.

    I advise to eat what you can when you can, don't try to force your usual eating habits because it upsets the tummy and makes you worry more, eat little and often and take liquids slowly and sort of constantly, don't force large amounts, sip water from a bottle for example, that will keep you hydrated x

    • Posted

      That sounds similar to what I am going through! I just am so scared that it is a stomach virus sad do you think that I am just getting the symptoms of a stomach virus because I am scared?
    • Posted

      I can't promise you anything but remember the more we fear our symptoms the worse they tend to get so yes the more you think about how afraid you are the more they will happen.

      It's really hard tostop thinking about things I know it is but perhaps you could try some distraction techniques? Nice deep breaths, slowly in and out and try to do something you enjoy like listening to music or anything else that engages your mind x

    • Posted

      Hi. Im really curious as I have the same sometimes. Did it end up being a stomach bug or anxiety?

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