[H]

Hi i'm new to this site (and a very bad speller, so please bear with me) but I have been diagnosed with IBS for about two years now, and probaly suffered from it most of my life, I have found that I can control the pain and phisical effects that ibs brings but the thing I find really hard to deal with is the mental aspects. I find it very hard to control my fears and find it hard even to go out. I have improved on going out in the city where i live but the thought of leaving "home" and going to another town or place, say on a holiday, scares me stupid. I also know that my job is one of the main causes for my ibs due to the stress, but I am so scared of going for another job i feel stuck, I mean what if I have to run out in the middle of an interview (thats if I even get to the interview) what if i get the job and can't make it in on the first day? what if they ask how much time i've had off in my current job!! Has anyone else has these issues or managed to deal with them? Your thought would be much appricated.

 

[arrow]

Yes, I can manage the physical things, but anxiety and worry bring me down. Of course the worrying is generally what triggers my IBS. It's a vicious circle.So far I manage, but I am considering asking the doctor about anti-depresents.

 

[Jeanne D]

Hi H,Glad you found this BB.It's such a help to talk to others who share similar experiences.I manage with my IBS D , but like you there is the fear factor involved with going out, or going on trips etc..I force myself to lead a normal life, but there is a lot of stress.If I am going on a trip I will eat lightly the day before and the day of . I always get up a good 3 hours ahead of time just to have the time to "empty out" before I leave the house.For day to day things, I do the same except that I suck on altoid peppermints throughout the day, and that does help to settle my stomach and ease any cramping.A lot of us deal with the fear of "what if", but each of us has his/her way of dealing with this.As you continue to read the different posts on here, you will find a lot of useful info.What works for one person, may not work for another and vice versa. It's all trial and error.You just take it one day at a time, moment by moment, and step by step.I hope you find helpful info and that you feel better soon.WELCOME...Jeanne

 

[Guest]

Hello 'H'.Have faith. Relaxation therapies help very much in calming anxiety so you are not afraid to go places. Is there a counsellor you could share worries with. If not I recommend reading professional publications and books as much as possible to help yourself think about things in different light, more positively.I finally took a vacation and it helped so much.Didn't worry about a thing while away - can you imagine! It was amazing.You will get there.