Do you have an anti anxiety medication? Alcohol is probably not a good idea if you are. Gastric issues aren't the only things that are mocked, believe me. But combining mental health challenges to the mix certainly complicates things. Usually one exacerbates the other, becoming a vicious circle. I've had a number of abdominal surgeries, and any time I feel certain kinds of pain, anxiety kicks in. Another surgery or hospital stay!!??

Internal worries surely don't need added external pain from other people who haven't been where you are. Boundaries have to be set and maintained for our own sake, which sometimes means being selective about whom we allow to share our space. There are always people who are toxic, but thankfully, there are lots who are great to be around.

Jim