physical symptoms related to the mental issues?

[WiltedRose]

not sure where to post this.
Anxiety forum? Depression? Ocd? Eating disorder? They are all what 'i am dealing with. I'm kind of in a relapse of sorts now... and really feeling on the verge of some weird mental breakdown ... all resulting from how bad my depression/anxiety are causing such pain and distress . Mentally excruciating.

i wondered if other people experience physical body symptoms when their other issues (such as anxiety,depression) flare?
I seem to suffer a lot of GI issues. Extreme nausea, diarrhea all day, even vomiting occasionally. It's like I swear I have some physical problem and my md's have gone to the extent of lots of extra tests,etc. to rule out bigger reasons. though i think my emotions are just so strong that they manifest physically.

again, just wondered if others had experiences with this. it makes me feel a little extra crazy.

[letteggs]

I never had those issues, but my entire body aches when I get severely depressed. about 7 years ago I did a trial study on Cymbalta, and one of the side effects they were looking at was whether or not the drug affected the physical side effects of depression.

[WiltedRose]

Thank you for your reply! That is interesting - the study with Cymbalta. I am on Cymbalta (just for the depression), but I have a coworker who has fibromyalgia (she experiences overall body pain/inflammation) and her doctor rx'ed Cymbalta for her and those symptoms. I have always believed for myself there is a very strong connection between mind/body. A former therapist of mine was doing research in a field called PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY which I think was also examining the connection between mind/body as well.
I have experienced symptoms like this episodically since I was a young adult - during escalations in my depression/anxiety. I was just curious if many others experience it as well. So far today, I am feeling fairly "stable" and physically a little better. Hope it lasts!!!

[Lucy]

YES!! All the time. Every little pain I've ever had comes back when I'm depressed and stressed. When my stress or emotions are too high, I often vomit or am extremely nauseous. I feel like the depression also makes me heal or recover more slowly. My entire energy level and mood both drop to nothing. I find having to pretend I'm not feeling like an empty shell absolutely draining and interactions with most people are excruciating. Even with 'light depression' my feet and upper back/neck ache more and I have more digestive issues than when I am feeling ok or content. I battle with cystic ovaries which causes incredible pain. Ball on the bathroom floor, crying pain. I'm unable to function during those times and can not take the typical prescription non narcotic drug as it makes it worse. I'm tired, foggy headed, can't concentrate, and am doubled over in pain during those times. It's really no fun.

[lostflames]

I was told I have IBS when I was like 14 or so, and that definitely gets affected by my psychological issues.
When I get really upset, I go into fits of diarrhea or constipation for days at a time; never puked though.

[ladysquid]

Definitely have digestive upsets, going to the bathroom a lot, when I'm nervous. That usually only comes with specific high stress situations, job interviews, presentations....

I have had shoulder soreness/tension/pain for many years. I can remember being 9 and using my dad's "Icy Hot" on my shoulders. I always thought it was my pillow or my heavy backpack but now I understand where it came from. Now I feel it all over my shoulders and now going down to my lower back. It's just tense, sore, like I have tiny rocks under my skin constantly pushing and hurting my muscles. Exercise sometimes makes it worse because I tend to like to do vigorous cardio to get out my anxious energy. Massages help temporarily but it always comes back.

I also grind my teeth - My dentist said I had the wear of a 60 year old on my teeth (I'm 25.) I've chipped several teeth because of it, I do it when I sleep but I catch myself clenching my jaw throughout the day. I got a bite guard to wear when I sleep, it's starting to get worn down and doesn't fit properly anymore but I don't have the money for a new one.

I know the psychical signs are the body's way of telling us there is something wrong but the fact that I realize these things only makes me more anxious about my brain destroying my whole body. D: AGH!

[CosM129]

Hi, I am experiencing something I cannot explain. I have bipolar disorder and have just mainly come out of a depression but now im dealing with dizziness, some ear pain, a bit of vertigo, loud noises bother me 10X they used to, and if I change positions i have to be careful my balance is off. What does this all mean?? my circulation is bad and i feel cold in my hands and feet that never used to happen. I don't know i thought for sure it was an ear issue and now i find out that my ears are fine i waited so long to see an ENT specialist(ear, nose and throat) i told him absolutely everything and i am fine.....Now what! does anyone have any similar experiences. HELP