Celiac Causing Anxiety

[niacav]

Hello. I am 32 and just newly diagnosed with Celiac this past Monday. I have not started a Gluten free diet, I guess because I'm not convinced it is Celiac. It was only a blood test that my GP diagnosed me with. He did order anything further. I do not have GI symptoms everyday but when I do, it makes me extremely anxious and probably exacerbates the situation, causing even more GI symptoms. Does anyone else experience this? I sometimes have to be on anti-anxiety medication so my stomach won't flare up. I get nervous when I go running or play sports if there's not a bathroom around.....very freaking annoying. Anyways, just wondering what anyone's thoughts were? same experiences?

[jackay]

niacav,

I do not know if I am Celiac but definitely am gluten intolerant. Gluten caused me extreme anxiety. I haven't healed in a lot of other ways but my anxiety went away after going gluten free.

Try a gluten free diet and you may be pleasantly surprised that your anxiety and GI symptoms get so much better.

[CurlySpurs]

Hello. I am 32 and just newly diagnosed with Celiac this past Monday. I have not started a Gluten free diet, I guess because I'm not convinced it is Celiac. It was only a blood test that my GP diagnosed me with. He did order anything further. I do not have GI symptoms everyday but when I do, it makes me extremely anxious and probably exacerbates the situation, causing even more GI symptoms. Does anyone else experience this? I sometimes have to be on anti-anxiety medication so my stomach won't flare up. I get nervous when I go running or play sports if there's not a bathroom around.....very freaking annoying. Anyways, just wondering what anyone's thoughts were? same experiences?

I can relate to you, except I have not been tested for celiac. I think I may have it (or a gluten intolerance), but I don't experience symptoms everyday, so I'm confused. I have social anxiety and am not on meds for it (too many side effects!!). I do, however, take a really small dose of diazapam (Valium) when I'm doing something that will trigger high anxiety, but I don't do that more than 1x a month since it's addictive. It works good though. What are you taking for your anxiety and does it cause dependency and/or side effects? I always feel like I need to keep a lookout for a bathroom, or sit at the end of an aisle. I get anxious being in places where I'm 'stuck' for a while. (ie church, movies, graduation ceremonies, etc). My counselor taught me coping statements to use like, "I've been through this before, and I'll get through it now." Or "This may not feel good, but I can deal with it." Try googling "coping statements for anxiety" or "deep muscle relaxation" or "stomach breathing exercises." Taking deep breaths from your belly--not your lungs--will help calm you down if done for a few minutes. In nose, out mouth.

Hope this helps!