IBS/Stress/Anxiety?!

[Faith n Hope]

Hello!
I have had bad symptoms on and off for years and I have had tests done and they keep saying that I have IBS?! I think that it is due to stress but its a vicious circle as its making me more anxious and the worst part is my loss of appetite?! I just wondered if anyone has any advice for coping with IBS and managing stress and anxiety?! Plus lack of appetite as I worry that I don't get enough and its ruining my life?! I'm on the pill (Cerazette) could it be my hormones?! Help please?! Thank you in advance I just feel so alone and I cant seem to help myself and the Drs don't take me seriously?! Thank you! I really appreciate it and it means a lot! xox

 

[ristretto]

I have anxiety and get panic attacks. I sometimes experience anxiety as IBS type symptoms. When i was having a really hard time it was just terrible and painful. i know how you feel.

One thing that has helped a ton is cutting dairy out of my diet. I noticed that it made things a lot worse. Another thing that has helped me is breathing excercises. One that i have been using a lot lately is i will count my breaths. So inhale. 1 exhale 2 inhale 3 ehexhale 4....up to ten.. then back down to one. I try to only focus on my breathing during this time and i repeat it as many times as i can. When i start to notice panic or anxiety i try to refocus on that. Ive also been trying to focus on how other parts of my body feel too. For instance if im feeling anxious ill concentrate on how my legs feel against the chair and how that pressure feels. if that makes sense.

I definitely am with you with the tummy symptoms being related though. Anxiety can manifest in strange ways.it also tends to make my vision blurry when im having a really rough time.

I hope you find something that helps and feel better soon buddy.
*hugs*

 

[ristretto]

Oh! Another thing that has helped me tremendously is regularly excercising. I make myself go to the gym twice a week and do some weightlifting and then cardio to help burn off the extra energy. I can't even tell you how much it helps.. if you dont already. Try and find something you enjoy even walking out in the fresh air does a world of good.