When you discover something bad has happened, it can trigger your body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. This is your body's evolved response for coping with intense danger. At a neurobiological level, it's governed by what’s known as the sympathetic nervous system, which sends commands from your spinal cord to your body’s major organs, including your heart and intestines, gearing you up to either fight or flee when faced with danger.
A key part of the fight or flight response is to shut down digestion so that blood flow and energy can be sent to your limb muscles instead. In some people, this sudden effect on digestion can manifest as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. In short, the bad news has prompted you to feel threatened and your body has triggered your survival mode.
The sympathetic nervous system is in constant opposition with the parasympathetic nervous system, which is more active when we’re relaxed. It sends its own messages to your body, including encouraging digestion. So anything you can do to boost your parasympathetic nervous system activity ought to help you overcome those feelings of sickness.
This is easier said than done, but basic steps include deliberately slowing down your breathing. Consider writing a list of those aspects of the situation that are out of your control, and those that you can do something about. For those things you have some influence over, try to come up with some achievable plans to make the situation better. Over time, distraction, exercise and meditation can help you relax and cope with stress.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family – or seek professional support if the feelings of nausea won’t go away.
Read more:
- The vagus nerve: Everything you need to know
- Why do I feel sick when I’m hungry?
- Why do news reports always begin with bad news?
- I just bought a lovely new car, so why is the smell of it making me feel sick?
Asked by: Amelia Montgomery, via email
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