Can work stress cause vomiting or nausea? Do you find yourself being forgetful at work? Get the answers to work-related stress questions from medical experts.
Question: I work in a fast-paced environment. Whenever I feel the pressure and stress at work, I feel nauseous and at times, have to vomit. Does stress induce vomiting and how can I prevent this?
Nausea and vomiting caused by psychological factors such as anxiousness or stress are known as psychogenic vomiting.
Other symptoms that can occur when the body experiences stress include a racing heartbeat, sweating, stomach cramps, and loose stools. To relieve or reduce stress, try these relaxation techniques:
These relaxation techniques should be done on a regular basis and not only when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It is also important to exercise regularly and get sufficient sleep each day.
Related: The Keys to Happiness: Mindfulness and Positive Experiences
Medical conditions such as indigestion, viral illness, and food poisoning can also cause nausea and vomiting.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a prolonged period and they do not improve after trying out different stress-reduction or stress management methods, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further assessment.
Dr Wan Jinhui
Family Physician
Associate Consultant
Woodlands Polyclinic
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
Related: 8 Quick Things You Can Do to De-Stress Right Now
Question: I have been working as a trainee bank executive after graduating. It has been about three months and I have been finding it hard to concentrate at work. I can’t seem to remember what anyone has told me or even “who is who”. I want to succeed in my work and my supervisors have been patient. However, I feel like such a failure. Now I dread the thought of going to work. What could be wrong with me?
The problems you described could be symptoms of stress. People often experience high levels of stress in the initial phase of significant life changes, such as graduating from school and starting a new job.
Usually, with time and the proactive use of social support and helpful coping strategies to reduce stress at work, the situation will improve gradually.
Here are stress management tips you can try in order to help you cope with work stress:
If your symptoms have been causing you significant distress and affecting your daily functioning, or if the above stress management strategies do not help, it is important that you approach a mental healthcare professional (e.g. a psychologist or a psychiatrist. They can give you a more thorough review and offer personalised recommendations to improve your mental health.
Related: Helplines for Mental Health
Here are some signs that indicate that you might need extra professional support:
We all need an extra boost of support from time to time, so please do what is necessary to take care of your wellbeing.
Dr Lin Hong Hui
Clinical Psychologist
Psychology Service
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
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This article was last reviewed on 22 Jun 2021
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