Hey everyone. I'm new to this board. I have looked it at a few times but only just joined. I am hoping to get some support and advice and maybe one day offer that to other people!!I am 26 years old and have had IBS for 4 years. I was diagnosed a year ago and have so far only tried probiotics and a couple of antispasmodic medications. Before I was just trying to handle things myself but it wasn't working so more recently I have been back to the doctors for more help (I think he is getting sick of the sight of me.Currently I find that my symptoms effect me at least 4 out of 7 days a week if not more. Sometimes it's just diarreoha and sometimes I feel sick, tired and headachie with it too. I ususally try to carry on but every now and then it gets too much and I have to take time off work or college (I'm at uni studying physio).I find my ibs effects everything I do. I am always worried about how it will affect me on a day to day basis and how it will effect me in the long term. It effects my social life as I am always having to pull out of things due to symptoms and 70% of the time when I do go to something I am in discomfort.I love to keep fit but often my my gut feels uncomfortable during exercise or I feel too tiredto do it. Also if I do exercise when I have mild symptoms I get quite anxious about whether it will make me worse.Eating is a nightmare. I am always worried about if what I am eating will make me worse and struggle to eat a balanced diet as I am so worried about trigger foods even though I am not even sure what all my triggers are.I find eating with friends and family stressful because I just come across like a picky eater and they can tell I am anxious a lot when eating. It's so embarrassing. I just want to be happy and relaxed when eating!!I am often uncomfortable whilst at uni and sometimes have to take time off which makes me stressed. I also think I am not a very happy person to be around because I am in discomfort so much of the time. It's hard to remain chirpy!I worry about the future. Will I always have this? How will it affect me when working full time? Will I ever find a partner?I just feel anxious and depressed so much of the time. I find myself crying every few days. My anxiety has spread too. I get nervous in social situations and I worry about money, my coursework and family!I just don't know what to do with myself. I feel miserable and hate being this way. I would give anything to go back to how my life was before this all started!!!