Understanding Gut Health and Mental Wellbeing

You might have heard the gut referred to as our “second brain.”   This is because the gut and brain are directly connected through a complex network of nerves, chemicals, and hormones.   When our gut health is out of balance, it can affect not only digestion but also mood, energy, and overall mental wellbeing.

Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic bloating, food sensitivities, or ongoing gut discomfort can be stressful to live with.   At the same time, stress, anxiety, and low mood can make gut symptoms worse — creating a cycle that can feel hard to break.

Common Gut Health Symptoms

Gut-related difficulties may include:

  • Frequent bloating, pain, or discomfort

  • Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating bowel changes

  • Food sensitivities or intolerance

  • Ongoing nausea, reflux, or unsettled stomach

  • Changes in appetite

  • Worsening of gut symptoms during times of stress or anxiety

It’s important to rule out medical conditions with your GP or specialist first.   Once serious medical issues are excluded, psychological support can be a valuable part of managing ongoing gut symptoms.

Why Do Gut Health Issues Affect Mental Health?

Gut and mental health are closely linked through what’s called the gut–brain axis.   When the gut is distressed, it sends signals to the brain that can trigger or worsen anxiety, low mood, and stress.   

Likewise, when we are under psychological stress, our gut often reacts — leading to flare-ups of digestive symptoms.

This two-way relationship means that working on mental health can also improve gut health.

How a Psychologist Can Help

A psychologist can help with gut health issues by supporting both the emotional and behavioural side of the condition.   This may include:

  • Gut-directed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — evidence-based therapy shown to reduce gut symptoms by changing unhelpful thought patterns and stress responses

  • Stress management strategies to calm the nervous system and reduce flare-ups

  • Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and grounding to ease physical tension

  • Support in developing healthy routines for sleep, eating, and movement

  • Guidance to manage the anxiety, frustration, or embarrassment that can come with chronic gut issues

  • Building resilience to cope with flare-ups and uncertainty

Therapy provides tools to manage both the physical discomfort and the emotional challenges of living with gut health concerns.

When to Seek Help

You may benefit from psychological support if:

  • Gut symptoms are ongoing despite medical treatment

  • Stress or anxiety regularly make your symptoms worse

  • Worry about your gut health is affecting your mood, confidence, or relationships

  • You feel limited in what you can do or eat because of gut symptoms

  • You want strategies to cope better with the day-to-day impact of your condition