Hi Alice,
I'm a student in the midst of midterms and all that,
so I've been really busy and not taking as good care of
myself as usual (though trying my best), though I wouldn't
say that I've been any more stressed than your average
student at CU. My question has to do with nausea though:
I've been waking up lately and my stomach hurts and I don't
know why. I can't think of any medical/strictly
physiological reason why, so I was wondering: is it possible
that this is stress related? (Can stress/anxiety make one
sick with a knot in their stomach??) This has only happened
a few times, recently, all during this midterm/work
craziness.
Thanks,
Sick from Stress???
Dear Sick from Stress???,
Although any college student is
probably used to the feeling of being sick of
stress, it is possible, as you suggested, that you are sick
from stress as well. A 2004 research study done in
Minnesota
showed that those with gastrointestinal disorders such as
irritable bowel syndrome usually have a higher level of
psychological stress than those without gastrointestinal
conditions. This study did not report whether it was the
stress that caused the disorders or the disorders that added
to the stress in the individual's life. However, it is
generally recognized that psychological or emotional trauma
or upsets can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. This
symptoms have been reported to occur under highly stressful
conditions such as loss of a job, death of a loved one, or
anxiety about school or work.
Another thing to think about is if your
eating and drinking habits change when you're pressed for
time. The caffeine in coffee or tea, which many rely on to
get through a long night of hitting the books, can often
cause an upset stomach. Acidic drinks like citrus juices can
also have this effect, as well as foods that are spicy or
have lots of fat. If you find that your diet changes to
include more of these things, such as eating more takeout or
fast food when you are busy, then this might also be another
culprit responsible for your stomach sorrows.
Many other conditions could be
responsible for stomach pains or nausea, ranging from
lactose intolerance, constipation, heartburn or indigestion,
to food poisoning. If the nausea or vomiting occurs soon
after eating a particular food or medication, is accompanied
or follows dizziness, or lasts continuously for 48 hours,
you should see a medical professional immediately. Mild
stomach pains and nausea may be relieved or lessened by
sipping water or other clear liquids, avoiding solid foods
until your stomach feels better, or taking antacids if you
think it's related to heartburn. If you are in doubt of
whether or not to see your health care provider, it's best
to err on the side of caution and go see her/him. Besides
making sure that your symptoms are not due to a serious or
life-threatening condition, s/he can help in finding out
what is causing your nausea, as well as help you to end it
for good.
To combat the stress (and hopefully
your nausea and stomachaches) associated with midterms or
finals keep these stress-management tips in mind:
- Take frequent study breaks, even if
only for a few minutes at a time
- Plan ahead and schedule study time
for each class so you know you will get to everything
- Exercise most days, alone or with
friends — even a brisk 20-minute walk around campus will
do
- Eat healthy and balanced meals, and
plan ahead to have healthy snacks available during study
time
- Get a full night's rest most nights
- Practice meditation, breathing
exercises, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
Good luck with your exams and papers.
It's important to take care of your grades, but also
important to take care of yourself and your body. Learning
to manage stress is a life skill that will serve you well
during midterms, finals, and throughout all of your
endeavors.
-
Alice
