Gastroparesis is a chronic stomach disorder. It reduces or halts the process of food passage in the stomach to the small intestine. Physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness, and loss of weight are obvious.
Yet there is another aspect of gastroparesis which is frequently overlooked and it is its impact on the mental health.
People do tend to suffer in silence since it is an invisible illness. The conditions are difficult to anticipate, may be lonely, and misinterpreted. This can eventually cause anxiety, depression and even emotional trauma due to attending a medical center or failure to be believed.
Individuals suffering gastroparesis appear healthy. However, inwardly, they are dealing with discomfort, exhaustion, limited eating habits, and drugs. This puts a distance between the image that other people view and that of the individual.
This gap can lead to:
In the long run, it may harm self esteem and emotional resilience.
The consumption of food may cause such symptoms as pain, nausea, and vomiting. What was pleasurable a few years ago is now scary.
This fear can lead to:
This is damaging to the mental and physical health.
Having gastroparesis is coping with flare-ups and unpredictability. You do not know the time symptoms will occur or whether there will be any treatment.
This can cause:
These emotions can accumulate gradually and be outbursting.
Hundreds of patients with gastroparesis spend years of examinations, visits to the ER, and misdiagnoses. It is grueling and agonizing that ride.
Emotional effects include:
These emotions can persist following diagnosis.
Gastroparesis does not just impact on your stomach. It is also capable of influencing your mood, sleep and relationships.
Early detection of these signs can lead to prevention of further suffering.
You do not need to be positive most of the time. Feeling upset is normal.
Try:
Telling the truth about your feelings may make you feel better.
Such a routine will be comforting. Formation assists in the situations when life appears out of control.
Ideas:
Even the small building can reduce the stress.
Food may feel scary. But little modifications can facilitate eating.
Try:
The conscious eating practice restores confidence in your body.
Being able to talk with a therapist can assist you to combat fear, sadness, and stress.
Find a therapist who has been trained in:
In case the therapy is prohibitively costly, visit online or less expensive clinics.
Comfort and hope can be found by being with other people who can also understand.
Support groups offer:
Groups are available on Facebook, Reddit, Inspire, G-PACT, or medical ones.
Your mental care is included in your overall care. Do not leave it out of the conversation.
Tell your doctor if you're:
They may send you to a mental professional or change the treatment to benefit your mind and your body.
They will not all understand. That's okay.
Speak up for your needs:
Well defined lines guard your energy and minimize stress.
There are victories even on bad days.
Celebrate when you:
Small wins matter. They add up over time.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Gastroparesis may give a person chronic pain and discomfort, which results in anxiety, depression and emotional stress because it affects the day-to-day life.
The unexpected symptoms and diet restrictions may frustrate and is socially isolating and makes one feel helpless.
Yes, stress and anxiety can worsen the symptoms of the digestive system building a circle of signs of physical and emotional suffering.
Coping skills and mental well-being can be enhanced by mindfulness, counseling, support groups, and stress management methods.
Therapy or psychiatric assistance can be very important in dealing with depression or anxiety over long-term illness.
Provision of understanding, patience and emotional support will minimize feelings of isolation and will enhance quality of life.
Antidepressants and anxiolytics can be used by doctors with gastroparesis therapy in order to deal with mood disorders.
Yes, exercise, proper eating, sleep and rest methods are useful in the general health and mood.
Most of the patients complain that they feel overwhelmed; the first step towards help is to recognize these feelings.
Find local support groups, online communities, and healthcare providers whose expertise is in digestive and mental health care.
