Is it normal for depression to induce vomiting?

[KostasKouvalis]

I've been struggling with mild depression lately which was made more severe after losing my best friend.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night and was vomiting saliva and water. And it happened not once, but twice. The second time I was able to contain it until I reached the bathroom. I felt weak in my stomach, my nerves kicked in and I felt like I was on the verge of a panic attack.

The former singer of my favorite band died from choking on his own vomit when he was passed out, so I guess I'm lucky that I woke up and also that I sleep on my side.

Updates

1 y

Thanks for the helpful feedback.
Anyone else wanna chime in?

[Oliverlogan263]

Dang, I’m sorry man. Losing your best friend and dealing with depression on top of that must be super stressful and overwhelming. I can totally understand why you'd be feeling anxious and on edge about the vomiting.

As for whether it's normal for depression to cause vomiting - yeah, it's actually more common than you might think. The strong connection between our mental and physical health means that depression can absolutely manifest in physical symptoms like that. The nausea and vomiting can be your body's way of reacting to the intense emotions and stress you're experiencing.

The fact that you woke up and were able to move to the bathroom is a good sign that it wasn't something more serious like choking. And sleeping on your side is definitely the safer way to go. Still, I can see why that experience would be really scary, especially with that personal connection to it.

My advice would be to try not to stress too much about the vomiting itself. Focus on taking care of yourself and managing the depression as best you can. Make sure you're eating, sleeping, and taking time for self-care. And don't be afraid to reach out to a counselor or doctor if you need some extra support. They can help you figure out if the vomiting is related to the depression and give you strategies to cope.

Just know that you're not alone in this, and there's no shame in needing help to get through a tough time. Sending you positive vibes, dude. Hang in there.

[AMS700CX4u2]

Think about it. Serotonin is manufactured in your gut and is largely responsible for happiness. "Smiling Buddha" Ever see a skinny one? That said a health gut is necessary for Serotonin production. The link between depression and sick stomach is through the vagus nerve. My brother's Asperger's manifested that way. I think there is a link between Menier's (SP) and Asperger's. As far as aspiration is concerned as long as you are not under the influence of inebriating substances, you will most likely wake up and deal with the situation.

[KostasKouvalis]

😳 I didn't know about the Aspergers thing, that's pretty crazy, but the Buddha thing makes sense. I never thought of that.
I once saw a YouTube video explaining the connection and why you throw up when you're nervous

[AMS700CX4u2]

Why does child abuse and spousal abuse cause eating disorders? Trying to find a path to serotonin.

[itsannalee]

Yes it’s normal, because depression can cause stress and anxiety that can affect the digestive system. Also during depression your hormone change, that can affect the digestive
and lead to vomiting.
Why water and saliva? Maybe you barely eat foods when you’re depressed.

[KostasKouvalis]

Oh wow, I didn't know about the hormonal change.

It was several hours since I ate.

I try to force it down, but there's only so much one can force

[itsannalee]

Yes, stress is closely related to hormonal changes, which is what happens to women. Because when we are stressed we often get problems with periods, menstrual cycle changes. It’s because hormonal change during stress.

[KostasKouvalis]

Is that why your hair falls out?

[itsannalee]

Yes, women experience hair fall problems because hormonal change, but it’s not always because stressed. Sometimes it’s because fluctuations in estrogen levels, changes in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Thyroid hormone imbalance, an underactive or overactive thyroid gland can cause hair fall. Or even PCOS.

[AMS700CX4u2]

Probably not eating. When we opened up alcoholics in the ME"s office we rarely found solid food. Clean blood vessels but no Food.

[IslaTheWitch]

it could be psychosomatic - somatic problems caused by your troubled mind... but it can be a virus, too...

hope you feel better soon...

[DryGermanGuy]

I think that's more related to severe forms of anxiety and fear. I remember reading stories of singers or sportsmen being sick to the point of vomiting before important events.

[Anonymous]

No but whatever nerve is causing the vomiting could be causing the depression.

[KostasKouvalis]

Interesting