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What is the gut-brain connection activity?
When it comes to your health, it is so important to realise just how much your mental health can impact your gut, and vice versa. Living with a digestive condition or symptoms can impact your mood, so showing yourself compassion, and being aware of how the gut and brain communicate is crucial.
Did you know?
Your gut microbiome (the microbes living in your gut) plays a vital role in supporting your mood. Up to 95% of serotonin (one of the ‘happy chemicals’) is produced in your gut!
Get to grips with the gut-brain axis
There is two-way communication between your gut and brain (known as the gut-brain axis) as these two crucial organs are literally connected. Both physically, through the vagus nerve and chemically, through neurotransmitters. When you get those butterflies in the pit of your stomach, that’s the gut-brain connection. When you feel hungry, that’s the same connection. When you feel anxious, that’s the gut-brain connection too!
The gut-brain axis also explains how stress and anxiety can both contribute to causing digestive symptoms. In fact, scientists believe that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an over-communication between the gut and the brain. The foods you eat can impact your mental health, too. This is why it’s vital to look after both your gut and your brain as much as you can.
How does your digestive health impact your mental health?
Digestive symptoms and conditions can have a real impact upon your daily life and therefore your mental health. Often, you might feel people underestimate the impact these have on you, too. When your gut isn’t happy, your brain might not be either. Managing pain, being unable to predict symptoms each day and anxiety surrounding access to near-by toilet facilities are just a few of the things you may worry about. Our recently launched ‘This Can’t Wait’ card may help with this.
How can you support your mental health?
We asked our community for suggestions when it comes to managing and supporting your mental health. These are personal suggestions and may not work for everyone, but we hope at least one sparks some hope within.
1. Ask for help
At Guts UK charity, we are passionate about helping you know your normal and knowing when to seek help. It almost goes without saying that it’s so important to speak to a medical professional and let them know you’re struggling. If you find yourself feeling suicidal and/or feel a danger to yourself or others, seek medical help immediately. There is medical help and advice available to you, as well as your family, friends and those around you who care. The team at Guts UK are also on hand to listen. It will surprise you just how many people are going through similar challenges. They care and understand. Other support available can be found at the bottom of this page.
2. Write down how you feel
Sometimes, writing it down can help you understand how you feel a little better. Give yourself permission to put pen to paper with whatever you’re feeling. Transferring your thoughts from your brain physically onto paper can feel very therapeutic to some and can also help you to arrange your thoughts and see what you may be able to control. You may wish to start writing about your day. Some people find that getting creative and writing poems and songs, using journals or drawing can all help.
3. Take one day at a time
There is no rush or pressure to feel a certain way by a set time. However, planning small, achievable tasks can give you things to look forward to. Having things to aim towards can often help motivate you, no matter how small.
“I have gastroparesis (a condition causing stomach paralysis) and as I am fed via a feeding tube, I often have to adjust my thinking to help me get by. For example, I set broad intentions instead of specific goals. Recently, I went to Australia to spend time with loved ones. Even on my bad days, I found happiness chatting with friends. If I felt ready for other activities, I planned them, but didn’t measure my success of the day on whether I did them or not. Setting intentions, not goals really helps me!”
Whatever you may be feeling right now, please remember that you are not alone.
Accessing services and support
Many areas have self-referral services to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychology Services). Others may require a GP to refer you to the service. Local services can be found on the NHS website or by contacting your local GP.
Samaritans
If you need to talk to somebody now, call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
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