My Stomach Hurts and I Have Irregular Bowel Movements

Published: August 20, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I poop many times a day in small quantities and my stomach hurts as if i am about to poop but most of the time it doesn't happen.They tell me it happens more when i stress.I am not able to concentrate on anything else and everyone is not caring and tell that i am faking it
Signed: My Stomach Hurts and I Have Irregular Bowl Movements

Dear My Stomach Hurts and I Have Irregular Bowl Movements,

TeenHealthFX is sorry to hear that you have been dealing with this and that you don’t feel anyone has related to you in a caring way about it. Sometimes physical symptoms in our body are caused by stress or other emotional issues, however, that doesn’t make the physical symptoms any less real or any less painful than if there was an underlying medical issue causing them.

When you say “they,” FX is wondering if you mean medical professionals? Since we are not clear if you have spoken to a doctor yet about this, if you have not done so already it important to meet with a medical health professional who can assess whether or not there is any medical issue that requires treatment.

If a medical health professional does not find any medical issues, then FX would consider that these issues are being significantly contributed to by stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. In that case, FX recommends scheduling a consultation with a reputable mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker or a clinical psychologist. A therapist can meet with you to determine what emotional issues might be contributing to these physical symptoms, and how to better manage the emotional issues.

FX can appreciate that these symptoms have been difficult to deal with, so we do hope you will reach out for help with this soon.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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