File :-(, x, )
Anxiety Anonymous
I've had a mediumish anxiety problem since I was 12 (I'm 18 now). I've been in therapy for periods of time, but it hasn't required lengthy treatment, and has overall been very manageable. The only thing that has still bugged me is that it seems most of my anxiety goes to my stomach, by which I mean whenever I'm anxious about anything, I get a stomach ache. I feel like I want to throw up. However, I've learnt to just harden the fuck up and not throw up and just live with having this uncomfortable feeling.

I'm pretty much anxious about something all the time. Note that I'm not a social recluse, I'm what you might call a "closet nerd". My anxiety doesn't stop me going out to the pub (ausfag) or to parties etc.

However, recently, the severity of my stomach ache has dramatically increased. Sometimes before parties I actually throw up because I'm anxious. The thing is, I have no idea what I'm anxious about, and therefore I can't apply processes I've mastered to deal with my anxiety. Also, at the beach, continually diving under the waves/salt water means I keep clearing my throat, and along with my stomach achey feeling I need to vomit, it means I often have to quickly get out of the water, because I especially don't want to vomit infront of my friends for no fucking reason at all.

It seems to me like the only logical treatment would be some sort of medication. Should I consult my psychotherapist about it? Does /fit/ know of any over the counter medications that may conquer my lame stomach?

I hope this question was relevant to /fit/, I'm not sure whether it is. Perhaps if it isn't, could you direct me to a forum/board somewhere which may help?
>> Anonymous
Personally, I seriously think all that built up stress has led to a stomach ulcer. Try checking with a doctor.
>> Anonymous
Sounds like social anxiety. See a doctor about it - you may have to take pills.
>> Anonymous
It's the adrenaline that's causing the stomach tightening. Adrenaline is a by product of the stress response, so de-stress yourself would reduce the pain.

Learn to breath abnominally. It helps the parasympathetic system and calms you down.
>> Anonymous
I get that too. It depends if I'm in an area where I'm comfortable or not. Big crowds are usually a problem.
>> Anonymous
>>10851
Believe me, this has been one of the processes I use to deal with my anxiety. But the keyword here is that it's uncontrollable for me.
>> Anonymous
>>10779

For England, James!
>> Anonymous
>>10882
No, for me.
>> Anonymous
>>10794
I think this might be true, but after quite a few years of the harsh treatment of OP's stomach I suspect the ulcer would've gradually become much, much more painful over time.
>> Anonymous
Have you considered cognitive behavioral therapy? It really good in dealing with anxieties and phobia. It works by teaching you the ways our mind and body behaves, all the innate and automatic mechanism. Then by understanding the process you can actively combat anxiety.

if you don't like that, you can try some self help exposure thearpy. You body can't feel constant anxiety for more than 30 minutes. So go into the most anxiety inducing situation and just sit there for like an hour, after that your body will calm down and then it will learn this situation isn't that bad. may have to do it more than once.
>> Anonymous
>>10982
As I've said before, I been through therapy before, in particular CBT. And by the sounds of it, self exposure therapy is no use either. I said in my original post that I constantly put myself in the situations that provoke this anxiety, and the anxiety itself isn't a problem. It's just that no matter what I do, I feel like I want to vomit/my stomach aches. Even breathing and muscle relaxation exercises don't help.

My problem is that I already know and recognise the situation I'm in is okay- its fine. My stomach just doesn't seem to recognise this.