It’s an experience most people have — that nervous flutter in your stomach before a big presentation, a knot of worry before a game or maybe even pre-date jitters. This feeling can be described as “butterflies” and is your body’s response to anxiety. Anxiety is common, affecting roughly 32% of U.S. teens, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It can cause worry, unease and a sense of apprehension. It’s like your internal alarm system preparing you for a perceived threat. The good news is this response usually helps you. However, sometimes that alarm can get a little overzealous and trigger some not-so-pleasant physical symptoms.

Can anxiety cause stomach pain? Absolutely. In this blog post, we’ll explore how anxiety works and why it can wreak havoc on your digestive system. 

Exploring the brain-gut connection

Imagine your brain and stomach as best friends constantly chatting. They’re linked through a special network called the “brain-gut axis.” This basically means they’re in constant communication, sending messages back and forth. When you’re feeling anxious, your brain releases a flood of chemicals, like adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals help prepare your body for action.

Here’s where things get interesting: These same anxiety-related chemicals can also have a significant impact on your digestive system, including:

• Slowing down digestion
• Causing stomach cramps
• Disrupting healthy bacteria living in your stomach

All of these impacts can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, like:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Diarrhea

Beyond butterflies: Other physical symptoms of anxiety

Stomach woes aren’t the only symptoms anxiety can bring. Here are some other physical symptoms you may experience when you’re feeling anxious:

• Racing heart — When you’re anxious, your body thinks it needs to take immediate action. Your heart rate increases to pump more blood throughout your body, which can feel like your heart is trying to escape your chest. 

• Shallow breathing — Have you ever felt lightheaded or dizzy during stressful situations? This may be due to shallow breathing, which is a common response to anxiety. 

• Muscle tension — Your muscles may tense up like coiled springs, ready for action. This can lead to headaches, neck pain or even body aches. 

• Sweating — Do you have sweaty palms or feel clammy all over? That’s your body’s attempt to cool itself down during the “fight-or-flight” response. 

• Trouble sleeping — Anxiety can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle. You may toss and turn all night, or your mind may race with worries, which can make it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep.

• Fatigue — Even though you may feel super keyed up, anxiety can also leave you feeling drained and exhausted. 

What are some common causes of anxiety in teens?

There’s not a single cause of anxiety in teens; rather, it can be due to a combination of factors, including:

• Brain chemistry — Chemical imbalances in the brain can contribute to anxiety.

• Family history — If anxiety runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it. 

• Life events — Major changes like moving, family conflict or loss can trigger anxiety.

• Social pressures — Fitting in, peer pressure and social media can be big sources of anxiety in teens. 

Every teen experiences anxiety differently. What can cause anxiety in one teen may not bother another. The key is to identify what triggers your anxiety and what can make it worse. 

When should you get help for your anxiety?

While experiencing some anxiety is an expected part of life, especially during challenging times, it’s important to know when it’s time to reach out for help. Consider seeking the help of a mental health professional if your anxiety is disrupting your life, making it hard for you to go to school, socialize or enjoy activities you love. You can reach out for help from a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, counselor or doctor. A medical professional can help you understand your anxiety better and help you develop healthy coping skills to manage it more effectively. 

Treatment options for anxiety

There are a number of effective treatments available to help teens cope with anxiety. Some common treatments include:

• Therapy — Therapy can give you a safe and supportive space to express your feelings and concerns. It can also give you the opportunity to work with your therapist to explore the root causes of your anxiety and work on skills that can help you with problem-solving to help manage your anxiety more effectively. 

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP) — If you need more support than weekly psychotherapy sessions, an IOP can provide additional personalized support with a qualified mental health team. An IOP specifically designed for adolescents and teens can help you learn more about the underlying causes of your stress and anxiety and develop healthy coping skills to better manage these issues. Choosing an IOP that offers after-school-hours programming can enable you to receive the comprehensive mental health treatment you deserve and still be able to attend school.

• Medication — In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to help manage anxiety symptoms.

• Lifestyle changes —Try to get enough sleep, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and get regular exercise. These can all help boost your mood and relieve anxiety symptoms. Making sure you limit or avoid caffeine can also help. Alcohol and drugs should also be avoided, as these substances can make anxiety symptoms worse.

• Relaxation techniques — When your mind and body feel anxious, you can practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. 

Anxiety can be a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding how anxiety works and what you can do to manage it, you can take charge of your feelings and feel more like yourself again. Remember, there are people who care about you and want to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. 

Embrace U can help teens struggling with anxiety symptoms find relief

At Embrace U, we offer intensive outpatient programs that can help adolescents aged 10-18 who are experiencing anxiety and its symptoms. With our help and a personalized treatment plan, you can achieve better mental well-being to live a more fulfilling life. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.