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Anxiety and IBS related issues

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Posted 1/21/2013 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey my name is Rob and I'm a new user to the site.

I've been dealing with Anxiety and IBS related issues ever since I can remember, but it didn't really get bad until about my sophomore year of college. My IBS is mostly constipation which switches to diarrhea off and on with gas and bloating, especially when in public. I get feelings of having to go to the bathroom constantly, but when I get to the bathroom and go I never feel feel like its completed if I am even able to go at all. As I said before I get a lot of gas a bloating and also hemorrhoids, and when I get into class my anxiety sky rockets. I am barely able to sit still, am in fear that the person next to me will think I smell bad and just have a general feeling of discomfort in most public places. My grades have been dropping dramatically the last about two years, and i'm in a situation now that I might not even be able to finish school. I have been only going part time for the last couple semesters because of this and I'm already on my fifth year of school with at least 35 credits left. I am an engineering major and the majority of my class require group projects now aswell, which makes my experience ever more terrifying. The weight of my school loans if I am not able to finish has got my mind racing and I can barely even focus anymore. I've been to a gastro and had a colonoscopy, but the general consensus was usually just to eat fiber and adjust the diet, and I never really went into the anxiety problems with my doctor.

I feel a lot of this these IBS issues stem from my anxiety. I've always been a very shy and quiet kid, and had trouble opening up to others. Its kind of funny because the IBS symptoms didn't really flare up until the year in college where I really started to open up and get out more. And because of them I went right back to being my old self. I am also a smoker and have been suffereing pretty badly from Insomnia lately.

That's all I got for now any input is appreciated. I don't talk to many people about my situation and just wanted to get it off my chest.

Post Edited (Robe89) : 1/21/2013 8:08:18 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/21/2013 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob and welcome!

I am so glad that you have joined us...I can't tell you how much the support of this place has helped me!

I can also assure you that we have/had so many members your age and in college that struggle with anxiety and its various symptoms.

This is a time of life that is full of change and challenges, and you are for the most part, for the first time, navigating them on your own. I think that not being anxious would be unusual actually!:)

That is not to say that you should have to live with the issues that the current stress is causing you...you certainly are going to want to treat the anxiety, so that the IBS symptoms lessen, and you can feel your best.

What have you tried, if anything, to lower your anxiety? There are many ways to treat the issue, and one great way to start is with self-help.

We have a great Resource Guide here on our main page (1st post) In it you will find instructive video links for relaxation and breathing exercises...highly effective!...as well as other ideas to try starting anytime!

If you find that you need more help...you may be able to get connected with a counselor or group at your school. Depending on the resources that they have available...this is at least worth looking into.

Finally, you could consult with your regular G.P. He/she could discuss medication and/or a therapy referral with you for treatment options. Both are highly effective in treating anxiety...and when the anxiety is treated, the IBS should also become more managable.

Keep posting here with us as well...we understand and are here to listen and support! (we also have an IBS forum if you haven't visited already...check it out!)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/22/2013 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
Appreciate the response! Yah I haven't really tried anything for the anxiety I tried a couple different meds for the IBS but they would give me shortness of breath which was awful because i'm a smoker. I'll have to check out the Resource guide. I was signed up with disability resources at school but they majority of my classes require you to form study groups to really pass the tests and I'm not very good at meeting new people.

It's already my first day of classes today I'm still not signed up for classes yet. I failed one of my classes last semester and I was too afraid to go see my guidance counselor and not even sure if I can get financial aid for this semester. I was only taking two classes for God's sake, I got an A in the one without group projects and failed the one that required study groups and had group projects. Guess I have to man up and go down and talk to financial aid and my advisor today and see if I'm able to register.

Post Edited (Robe89) : 1/22/2013 3:34:05 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/22/2013 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Take it one step at a time. Try to break it down and compartmentalize, so that you don't get overwhelmed by the big picture.

Do the one thing that is at the top of the priority list... (regristration, financial aid?)

...then if you can do another thing on the list, go for it. If you are feeling stressed, then leave the next task for tomorrow.

Consider going in and talking with your student couselor about your challenges. There may be some help/allowance for your situation in regards to your IBS and social anxiety.

Sometimes you have to really advocate for yourself and 'work the system'.  It is often tough and uncomfortable, but it could make the difference for your success in school!

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful...we are cheering you on and here to support.:)

S.C.
Posted 1/23/2013 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Talk to the support services at your school about your anxiety. People cannot help unless they understand. There may be some options you are not seeing. Some schools are better than others.

Being proactive helps combat the fear of the unknown. One step at a time helps you to eventually get the info you need, and hopefully manage.

If you feel your IBS symptoms are springing from the stress, you will eventually have to confront the stress.
Posted 1/23/2013 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hey,
I am a junior. I have been dealing with this stuff for a while. The counselor at my school as helped me SO much. I actually went to see her today and she helped me work through a situation that had caused my anxiety to sky rocket. It really is the best place to start taking action. You can't handle it on your own. You've tried. Now go get help. There is hope.
Posted 1/23/2013 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the support! I was able to work out my Financial aid yesterday, going down to talk to my advisor today. Wish me luck!
Posted 1/23/2013 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Great job on securing the financial aid!! That was a brave and importatnt first step to take...well done.;)

Best wishes on talking with your advisor today as well...I am sure that he/she will be understanding and that you can get everything worked out for your schedule and classes.

Keep posting!
S.C.
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