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AIBU?

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AIBU to worry my son's tummy aches are anxiety related again?

28 replies

Wearebothworriedsick · 23/05/2026 22:00

DC has struggled with anxiety in the past, this included intrusive thoughts and OCD behaviours. Things have been settled for a few months now.

Over the last week or so, DC has been complaining of a tummy ache. This is only first thing in the morning and around tea time, it’s putting him off eating but then he does eat after a some time. He’s also started sucking his fingers for the first time and pushing boundaries (drew on a wall for the first time and was so upset with himself after).

School think it’s linked to anxiety. I spoke with the GP and they’re inclined to agree although I do worry it might be something physical.

Has anyone experienced this before and how was it resolved?

I am also worried about him losing weight, as well as things getting as bad as they have been in the past. It stopped him going out this morning (cancelled plans) but he was fine the rest of the day, except around tea time.

Things at home have recently changed, I’m aware it will take some time for DS to get used to these changes but it’s hard seeing him like this.

OP posts:
JayJayj · 23/05/2026 22:05

At 16 I had debilitating pain in my stomach. It cramped so bad I couldn’t move until it passed. It even woke me up during the night. I had scans and blood tests, all normal. It stopped after a few months. Was definitely anxiety.

somekindof · 23/05/2026 22:04

Everything you’ve written points towards it being anxiety. Especially that it comes on at certain times in a regular pattern. What makes you think it might be physical?
how old is he? What helped last time?
It’s so hard when they are going through something like this, you just want to take the pain and worry away but you can’t.

MyKidsAreTooNoisy · 23/05/2026 22:03

How old is your DS? Might the GP refer to a paediatrician who would consider physical, psychological or neurodevelopmental reasons for his symptoms?