Unexplained Symptoms Mimicking Hangovers
Hello, I’m M38. A few times each year, I experience intense hangover-like symptoms lasting three to four days, even though I haven’t touched any alcohol. This recurring episode follows a familiar pattern: I tend to wake up quite early, around 6:30 AM. Throughout the day, I deal with varying degrees of nausea—sometimes it’s so overwhelming that I have to lie down, while other times, I’m able to handle small tasks around the house. Alongside the nausea, I suffer from dizziness, gagging whenever I attempt to eat, and some truly unpleasant gas. My digestive system goes haywire, leading to what I can only describe as “beer poop”—really soft and extremely foul. By around 4 PM, these symptoms start to dissipate, and by evening, I feel completely normal. This cycle repeats itself over the next few days without fail. What’s peculiar is that I feel perfectly fine in the evenings. It’s almost as if my body is self-poisoning during the night, with recovery taking the majority of the following day. Unlike a typical flu, which shows symptoms consistently, mine seem to vanish by nighttime. I’ve noticed that a specific trigger seems to initiate this whole process. It's a mental trigger; when I feel anxious or worried about something, that’s when these symptoms begin the next day. By that time, my anxiety has usually faded, yet the physical ailments linger on. Unfortunately, my doctor has said there’s nothing he can do. I’m currently on a waiting list to see a therapist, hoping they might provide a solution, as the physical reaction my body has is quite baffling. I wonder if anyone else out there has experienced anything similar?
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 6:31:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a distressing cycle of intense physical symptoms that seem to correlate with anxiety, rather than alcohol consumption. This pattern, including nausea, dizziness, and digestive issues that improve by evening, may suggest a connection between your mental state and physical reactions. Let’s break this down and explore actionable steps you can take.
Summary of Main Points:
- Your symptoms appear to be linked to anxiety and occur in a predictable pattern.
- The physical symptoms subside by evening, suggesting they might be influenced by stress or anxiety levels.
- You are waiting to see a therapist for further support.
Explanation:
The symptoms you described could align with a stress-response mechanism. When anxiety increases, it can lead to physical reactions in the body, such as gastrointestinal distress or nausea. The cycle of symptoms you're experiencing might be exacerbated by fluctuations in anxiety. Notably, it's common for anxiety to manifest with physical symptoms that mimic those of a hangover due to its effects on the body's systems.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Track Your Triggers: Keep a journal noting your anxiety levels and any specific events that lead up to the symptoms. This can help identify patterns and triggers, guiding you and your therapist in developing more targeted strategies.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, especially during times of increased anxiety. These techniques may help calm your nervous system and reduce the severity of your physical symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen nausea and digestive issues, so maintaining good hydration may help alleviate some of your symptoms.
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Small, Frequent Meals: If you can manage to eat, try consuming small, bland meals or snacks throughout the day rather than larger meals. Foods like toast, crackers, or bananas can be easier on your stomach.
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Gentle Movement: Engaging in light physical activity, such as walking or stretching, may help reduce feelings of dizziness and improve digestion, provided it feels comfortable.
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Prepare for Therapy: Once you see your therapist, discuss both your emotional and physical symptoms. They may help you develop coping strategies for your anxiety and explore any connections to your physical health.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on your overall symptoms, especially to see if any new ones develop or if the existing ones change over time. This information will be helpful when you meet with healthcare providers.
It’s completely valid to seek support for these troubling symptoms, and it’s good that you’re taking steps to address both the physical and emotional aspects of your experience. You’re not alone, and many people find themselves in similar situations. I wish you the best as you work towards understanding and managing these symptoms. If you have further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out.
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