IBS and resulting anxiety

[Ursula M]

Hi, I'm new here.  I've always had stomach problems, for a long as I can remember. I carry all of my stress in my gut.  As I've gotten older (50 next month) it's gotten worse.  Recently dx with IBS, combined type.  I do all the things recommended, plus daily meditation and therapy.  I've researched the heck out of IBS just to make sure I'm doing what I can. When I have symptoms, it messes with my mental health REALLY BADLY.  I was dx with depression about 25 years ago and take medication that does work, thank goodness. But when my stomach starts to hurt, I get such extreme anxiety, which of course worsens the IBS and then it becomes a loop of a nightmare. I get nausea with the IBS, not sure why, but I guess it's all connected. It's the nausea that adds to the anxiety. I guess I'm just looking to vent, its hard to describe to ppl who don't have it.  I'm in a dark place emotionally right now because it's so disabling.  

[Mabel Frances]

 Hi im new too. Joined out of desperation from 2 weeks severe pain no sleep and not much eating.  Im sorry you are having a hard time. Yes anxiety def a trigger for me. Then anxious about pain.The 'what if' voice!  Went to emercency docs last night as  pain so bad. !  I try to do the meditations on you tube especially for IBS which calm it a bit for a while. But you'd have to have it on 24/7 to have major relief! I think its a question of trying different things when you feel well enough to do that and being persistant with clinicians. 

[Jeffrey Roberts]

When I was younger, doctors believed that IBS tended to get "better" as we got older. I'm like you Ursula M, my IBS has actually got worse as I have got older. I'm not sure doctors actually know why it gets better or worse. Given more treatment options, you'd think we'd be coping better.

Mental health - anxiety - sure play a role; however, it's not the cause. I wonder if we would be as anxious if we didn't have to deal with daily symptoms?

I understand exactly where you are coming from Ursula and Mabel.

[TiredOfIBS]

I am a woman in my 50's and also have anxiety related to IBS. It causes me to not want to go anywhere. I make myself do things but my first thought whenever it's time to leave the house is if my gut will allow it.

I have been doing Nerva (hypnosis/meditation specifically for IBS). It has helped a little in that I understand the anxiety better. I've been trying to acknowledge the IBS-related anxiety thoughts but focus on something else to keep them in the background. I also use distractions to change my focus, such as: deep breathing exercises; doing multiplication tables in my head; noting 3 things I see, hear and feel; whatever I can do to resist the "fight or flight" I feel when I get uncomfortable and feel like I need to run to find a bathroom. It works most times. I also try to remind myself that it works most times. 😃

Just want you to know that I understand you and hope things get better. My hand is on your back.

[Leïla molié]

On 9/25/2022 at 5:40 PM, Ursula M said:

 

Hi, I'm new here.  I've always had stomach problems, for a long as I can remember. I carry all of my stress in my gut.  As I've gotten older (50 next month) it's gotten worse.  Recently dx with IBS, combined type.  I do all the things recommended, plus daily meditation and therapy.  I've researched the heck out of IBS just to make sure I'm doing what I can. When I have symptoms, it messes with my mental health REALLY BADLY.  I was dx with depression about 25 years ago and take medication that does work, thank goodness. But when my stomach starts to hurt, I get such extreme anxiety, which of course worsens the IBS and then it becomes a loop of a nightmare. I get nausea with the IBS, not sure why, but I guess it's all connected. It's the nausea that adds to the anxiety. I guess I'm just looking to vent, its hard to describe to ppl who don't have it.  I'm in a dark place emotionally right now because it's so disabling.  

 

I feel you so much, wishing you the very best and to suffer as less as possible 

[Ursula M]

Thanks, all!  Every response I get makes me feel less alone.  The fight or flight response is so real when experiencing the pain.  

[enrikagolli]

Absolutely understand where you're coming from. Dealing with conditions like IBS and the anxiety it brings can be incredibly challenging. Remember, you're not alone in this – many of us here understand the struggles firsthand. 

[enrikagolli]

On 8/29/2023 at 3:19 PM, enrikagolli said:

Absolutely understand where you're coming from. Dealing with conditions like IBS and the anxiety it brings can be incredibly challenging. Remember, you're not alone in this – many of us here understand the struggles firsthand. 

I've had my share of struggles too, as I've dealt with signs of being neurodivergent. It's not easy, but with consistent treatment and the right support, I've learned to manage my condition. My quality of life has improved, and I feel more comfortable in social situations now. Hang in there, and keep seeking the help you need – it can make a world of difference! You're not alone on this journey, and there's hope for brighter days ahead.