Why Anxiety Causes Stomach Pain—And What You Can Do About It

We all know anxiety makes us uncomfortable mentally and emotionally, but many people don't realize it can cause significant physical symptoms too. If you've ever experienced sweating, stomach pain, or chest tightness during anxious moments, you're far from alone. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County understand and manage the physical manifestations of anxiety.

The Brain-Gut Connection

Your brain and digestive system are directly linked—often called the brain-gut connection. This is why an upset stomach is one of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety. When you're stressed, your body's fight-or-flight response triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Excess cortisol can cause stomach cramping and disrupt your gut's balance of good and bad bacteria. When your stomach muscles and gut microbiome are thrown off balance, you experience various unpleasant digestive symptoms.

How Do You Know If Your Stomach Issues Are From Anxiety?

Many things can cause stomach pain, so how do you identify anxiety as the culprit? Consider these indicators:

• Symptoms appear during particularly anxious moments
• The discomfort typically doesn't last more than a few hours
• You notice a pattern linking stress to digestive issues
• Traditional stomach remedies don't seem to help

Important: If your abdominal pain is intense, comes with bloody stool, vomiting, or lasts longer than a couple of hours, contact your doctor to rule out other conditions like IBS or Crohn's disease.

Common Anxiety-Related Digestive Symptoms

When anxiety affects your stomach, you might experience:

• Cramping and stomach pain
• Nausea
• Bloating and indigestion
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Loss of appetite

Managing Anxiety-Related Stomach Pain

At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C teach patients various techniques for managing anxiety symptoms—including those affecting the digestive system.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness helps direct your attention to the present moment rather than anxious thoughts. Try this simple practice: sit or lie comfortably, focus on your breath, and when thoughts wander, gently bring attention back to breathing. Regular practice helps calm both mind and stomach.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your body's calming mechanism. Try these techniques:

Pursed lip breathing:

• Inhale through your nose for two seconds
• Purse your lips like drinking through a straw
• Exhale through your mouth for four seconds
• Repeat until you feel calmer

Box breathing:

• Inhale for four seconds
• Hold for four seconds
• Exhale for four seconds
• Hold for four seconds
• Repeat

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• Regular exercise—even a walk through Lilburn Park can help
• Adequate sleep
• Balanced nutrition
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

Natural Remedies

Some home remedies may provide relief: electrolyte drinks prevent dehydration, while ginger and peppermint can soothe an upset stomach. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new remedies.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

If anxiety regularly affects your daily life and causes persistent physical symptoms, it may be time to treat the underlying anxiety itself. At Next Step Psychiatry, we offer comprehensive anxiety treatment including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop healthy coping mechanisms
• Medication management when appropriate
• Integrated treatment plans addressing both mental and physical symptoms

Remember, if you experience worsening or intense stomach pain, speak with your primary care doctor to rule out other medical conditions. Once physical causes are addressed, treating the underlying anxiety can bring lasting relief.