Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While anxiety can manifest in many different ways, one common symptom is nausea. If you’re someone who frequently experiences anxiety-related nausea, you may be looking for ways to stop feeling ill. In this article, we’ll discuss potential treatments for anxiety and nausea and provide some tips for how to stop feeling sick from anxiety.
First, it’s important to understand what causes anxiety-induced nausea. In many cases, anxiety can trigger a “fight or flight” response in the body. This response is designed to help us deal with dangerous situations, but it can also cause various physical symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and anxiety headache.
How Does Anxiety Cause Nausea?
Nausea is a common symptom of anxiety, and a variety of factors can trigger it.
Anxiety can cause changes in your body’s autonomic nervous system, which regulates your body’s involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. These changes can interfere with your digestive system and cause symptoms such as nausea.
Anxiety can also increase your stomach acid, leading to digestive issues and nausea. The stress and tension associated with anxiety can result in muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and other digestive symptoms.
In some cases, the cause of anxiety-related nausea may be a combination of these factors. For instance, the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, can worsen digestive issues and make you feel nauseated.
Other things that can increase your risk of experiencing nausea related to anxiety include chronic stress, a history of anxiety disorders, and certain medical conditions.
How can you stop feeling sick from anxiety?
Here are some potential treatment options:
Anxiety Nausea Medication
Medication can be an effective way to ease anxiety and its symptoms, such as nausea. Several types of medications are commonly used to treat anxiety, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta blockers.
Antidepressants, as the name suggests, are medications commonly used to treat depression. However, they can also effectively reduce anxiety symptoms, such as excessive worrying and difficulty sleeping. Some common types of antidepressants include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Anti-anxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, are specifically designed to reduce anxiety. They alter the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, which are thought to be involved in the development of anxiety. Some common types of anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines and buspirone.
Beta-blockers: are a type of medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can also be effective in reducing anxiety, particularly in situations where anxiety is related to physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or trembling hands. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, which is involved in the “fight or flight” response that can be triggered by anxiety.
Talking to your doctor before starting any new medication for anxiety is important. Your doctor can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of different medicines and work with you to find the right treatment plan for your individual needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapy can be an effective way to manage anxiety and its symptoms. CBT is a common therapy that can help you change the thought patterns and behaviours contributing to your stress. This can help reduce your symptoms, including nausea.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle can also help minimise your anxiety and related symptoms. This can include exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Getting Rid Of Stress Nausea
In addition to these treatment options, there are also some specific strategies to cope with anxiety and stop feeling sick. Here are a few tips:
Take deep breaths
When you’re feeling anxious, your breathing may become shallow and rapid. This can contribute to feelings of nausea. To stop feeling unwell, try taking slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This can help calm your body and alleviate nausea.
Try relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and sickness. These techniques relax your mind and body and help you eliminate stress and nausea.
Avoid triggers
If certain things tend to trigger your anxiety and you feel like throwing up, try to avoid them. This might include things like certain foods, situations, or activities. By avoiding these triggers, you can help lessen your symptoms.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and nausea, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counsellor. They can offer support and guidance and help you find ways to manage your symptoms.
Summing Up
Overall, there are many different coping mechanisms to stop feeling sick from anxiety. It’s important to work with your doctor or therapist to find the best treatment. With the right treatment and support, you can reduce your anxiety nausea symptoms and start feeling better.