Understanding and Managing a Nervous Stomach [Video]

Emotional challenges like anxiety and depression or digestive disorders can cause individuals to experience a nervous stomach. Can knowing common symptoms, what causes them, and when to see a healthcare provider help manage the disorder?

Nervous Stomach

A nervous stomach is usually nothing to worry about, but it can happen occasionally as a reaction to a new environment, groups of people, foods, stress, and anxiety. Symptoms include indigestion, fluttering stomach/butterflies, or a gut-wrenching feeling. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 2023) Causes include underlying psychological and physical health conditions, certain medications, and lifestyle factors. Individuals experiencing chronic or ongoing symptoms should speak with a healthcare provider about their full range of symptoms. Treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms

Nervous stomach symptoms can vary. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, and physical symptoms may also lead to stress and anxiety. This is because the brain and gut connection communicates which hormones and neurotransmitters will be …