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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone ever get a sinking feeling in their gut? I always thought it was anxiety before but now I'm not sure.

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alaska

The medication I'm on has helped the anxiety a lot so now I don't have a racing heart all the time but now I just have fear and this horrible feeling around my sternum and sinking down into my stomach when it gets really bad. Sometimes it comes with a lot of guilt and shame from things from my whole life. I try to reframe those thoughts but that hasn't really helped. I just don't know what to do to help this. There isn't really anything going on right now that would be an obvious cause for… read more

June 6
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MyDepressionTeam

That sinking, heavy feeling in the chest and stomach is something many people with depression describe. It can feel like dread or fear even when there's no obvious trigger — and it's more common than you might think.

The guilt and shame that come with it are also very recognized parts of depression. A MyDepressionTeam Show Full Answer

That sinking, heavy feeling in the chest and stomach is something many people with depression describe. It can feel like dread or fear even when there's no obvious trigger — and it's more common than you might think.

The guilt and shame that come with it are also very recognized parts of depression. A MyDepressionTeam member shared that once they stopped fearing what their depression meant, they could focus better on managing it — but getting there isn't easy, especially when those feelings seem to come out of nowhere. Since reframing thoughts hasn't been helping much, it might be worth exploring other approaches with a doctor or therapist. Some options people find helpful include:

- Therapy adjustments — a therapist can help identify if a different approach might work better for what you're experiencing now
- Medication review — since your symptoms have shifted, your prescriber may want to reassess your current treatment
- Mindfulness or meditation — some find this helps quiet fear that doesn't have an obvious cause
- Gentle movement — even light exercise can help regulate mood and physical feelings of dread

Recovery from depression isn't always a straight line — ups and downs are normal, even when treatment is working. Bringing these specific physical feelings up with your care team is really the best next step.

June 6
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member & @A MyDepressionTeam Member
Try journaling! It really helped me.

On a good day, write it all down.
On a bad day, read what you wrote.
Problems seem less big when you write them!
Hope this helps...

June 14
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I get them too. Don’t know what causes it. Nor do I know how to deal with it either. Have yall had any luck dealing with it?

June 12
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Hi, yes, Donna, I have those symptoms, too, and they certainly do suck! . . Certain things are really difficult to reframe for me, too. . My best peace, love, and good vibes to you. . Sam . .

June 6
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Yeah I do get the feeling of dread, about the week ahead..

June 13

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