Recently we have been discussing the connection between our gut and our brain. Today we want to discuss a common question from our clients: Why does my stomach hurt in the morning? Do you avoid eating in the morning because your stomach might get upset? If so, you are not alone.

Anxiety Might be One of the Causes

Did you know that anxiety might be one of the causes of sickness in the morning before you go to work or for your kids before they go to school? According to GoodRx, “Many people with depression and anxiety experience nausea and loss of appetite as a common symptom of their condition. But even people without these conditions can experience nausea in the morning when something in the upcoming day is causing a feeling of stress or dread.”

What is Morning Anxiety?

Did you know that symptoms of nausea or worry can be called Morning Anxiety? Though morning anxiety is not a diagnosis, it is a common term used by many people to describe the feeling when they get up and feel distress.

Common Symptoms

• feeling restless, “on edge,” or “wound up”
• irritability
• fatigue
• tight chest, tense muscles, faster heart rate, or rapid breathing
• difficulty concentrating and finding your mind goes blank
• difficulty managing the worry or nervousness
• inability to fall asleep or stay asleep (insomnia)
• digestive issues like indigestion
• headache

These might be some of the reasons you are asking “Why does my stomach hurt in the morning?”. Below is a video that introduces the topic of our “mind-gut connection”.

How do I seek help?

Though we are mental health professionals, many of our support network physicians in the gastrointestinal discipline of medicine often refer their patients to us because their symptoms are related to symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Procedures like a colonoscopy, endoscopy, or ultrasound can be helpful at ruling out internal medical causes of the gastrointestinal distress. However, medical doctors are excellent at quickly ruling out needs for these procedures when anxiety and stress symptoms are present.

Likewise, we ask all of our clients, complaining about their gastrointestinal distress, if they have consulted with their medical doctors as a diagnostic tool for helping identify the causes of the distress. It is a regular practice for Professional Counselors to ask when your last physical and lab panels have been assessed.

ANXIETY HAS BECOME COMMONPLACE IN OUR STRESSFUL, POST-COVID WORLD

So, Why does my stomach hurt in the morning? Anxiety is a normal part of life. At its core, it’s a survival mechanism designed to protect us from danger. Yet for millions of people today, this protective mechanism has spun out of control and become a chronic mental health condition.

While anxiety has hit many populations hard, it’s arguably hit young adults the hardest. Many people in their 20s and 30s saw their career development change drastically in the wake of COVID-19. Social distancing also upended their social lives and hindered their ability to develop soft skills. As a result, many young people have struggled to get new career opportunities. Since the pandemic put so much of life on hold, there weren’t as many chances to learn and fail. And if you never get in situations where you can fail, it’s hard to grow your confidence and level up in life. 

What to Do if These Symptoms Describe You

If you believe that you are experiencing Morning Anxiety, we recommend that you go ahead and schedule an appointment with your internal medicine doctor to get a physical and also reach out to a Professional Counselor to begin the diagnostic process to help you begin to feel healthier. At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today. Keep reading if you want to learn more about Anxiety Therapy.