I’ve recently spent some time talking to a very close friend about her struggles with trauma and her mental health. This is all fairly new to her, so she’s asked me about my anxiety: coping, physical health, doctors, relationships, etc. Anxiety might be a mental disorder, but I can’t deny the effects it has on my physical health.

Mainly, I just feel so exhausted all the time. Because I’m constantly working so hard to seem “normal”, I’m constantly tired. It doesn’t help that I will sometimes get insomnia due to my anxiety. Even when I’m tired, my brain is too active to sleep. (Note: My insomnia has greatly improved since we got our fur baby, Beerus. Yes, he sleeps with us.)

My digestive health is honestly awful even without my anxiety. I’ve had bouts of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) since I was 15 and I’m prone to gastritis. Basically, my intestines don’t work the way they’re supposed to and my stomach sometimes makes too much acid. I’ve noticed that my digestion issues flare up especially badly when my anxiety is high.

Mental health and physical health are definitely linked. It’s not a coincidence that people are more prone to getting ill when they are stressed. It’s not a coincidence that my physical health suffers when my mental health is at its worst. This is a disclaimer: It’s not all in your head. Mental health is more than just mental. Taking care of your mental health means taking care of your physical health. I’m trying. Thankfully, I have a great fiancé and cute dog to help.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7