Does anyone else have mental health issues AND gut issues/IBS?

[rustydog]

It’s a vicious cycle and like a chicken and egg thing for me. Which comes first, the gut issues or the anxiety and depression? Each feed off each other and it’s hard to tell.

I am totally fed up. Fed up having daily digestive issues (often all day long). I have tried everything to ease the gut problems and the anxiety but I will get IBS symptoms and go into a panic but obviously the more anxious I get then I am probably getting more tummy woes.

I have had endless tests, follow a special (boring!) diet etc but still have these daily issues.

It leaves me anxious and depressed. I feel I can’t live a normal life at all with mental and physical health issues.

Does anyone else have tummy issues with their anxiety and depression?

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Yes, there is definitely a circle of mind-body connections going on. Have you made any changes to diet for the IBS? What do you mean by bland? I have not heard of a bland diet for IBS. High fiber, lots of water, pre & probiotics…

[rustydog]

They definitely do, it’s so hard breaking that cycle.

[Artistfriend]

Thats exactly what im going through now, i was doing great until these stomach issues and now i cant tell if its still my stomach or my anxiety about other stuff or what. I dont usually have them this much so ive lost weight and am worried about that now. Ive been eating better though. If the doctor says youre fine its probably anxiety and past issues. I have bad memories as kid with stomach fears so thats most of it i think for me. Did you have bad experiences as a kid are you in therapy?

[rustydog in reply to Artistfriend]

I had a bad experience 25 years ago when I had my very first IBS attack at work and I’ve never gotten over it. I also had lots of anxiety issues as a child so I think it probably all stems from there. Sadly I can’t afford therapy.

[Artistfriend in reply to rustydog]

Look for free mental health programs/ resources in your community, there may be something there to help with the anxiety. If youve been checked out and youre always fine it sounds like health anxiety. For me the anxiety is the worst part of it, my stomach issues arent terrible but it just triggers me the longer it goes on

[optimismrus]

Yes, I have IBS and depression. It does seem to be a blackhole for Drs. to diagnose and treat. No pun intended. My IBS has been undercontrol for a while now, but I know exactly how you feel when you say chicken/egg, which comes first? I think that when I'm anxious and stressed the IBS is triggered causing me to feel weak and tired and then the depression kicks in. I wish I had some good news for you, except to say thank you for posting a subject that I've struggled with, too. It helps to know I'm not alone. I've been on omeprazole forever and it helps. Is it possible you've been misdiagnosed? It sounds like they've tested everything. I don't know what your resources are, but if it's possible change doctors - a set of new eyes could help. 🥰

[rustydog in reply to optimismrus]

It’s a nightmare when it goes on for years is t it? I honestly don’t know what to do. I try and do all the things you are supposed to do for IBS and for anxiety relief but I still get symptoms every day. I always worry I’ve been misdiagnosed but I have had so many tests I don’t know what else it could be?

[designguy]

I've had digestive issues on and off and yes, there is a direct link between the gut and the brain and how it affects our mood. When my digestion is off it tends to kick my anxiety up a notch. I've had candida fungal over growth and sibo and use to get chronic sinus infections, did a round of tests and found I was gluten sensitive. I try to watch my wheat/gluten and also my sugar intake and eat a balanced healthy diet but fail sometimes. At one time I abused the use of antibiotics and it caused a lot of imbalance in my gut and I had a pretty major sugar addiction - not healthy. I've also had all but one of my mercury amalgam fillings removed and I think that has helped. I know I tend to have too little stomach acid so I take a prebiotic and HCI with protein meals which has helped. I definitely believe in looking for and using alternative health treatments for treating digestive issues and have found working with naturopaths or functional medicine practitioners to be the best route.

[rustydog in reply to designguy]

Did you manage to tackle the SIBO? I do wonder if I have that but heard it’s very difficult to get rid of. I would love my mercury fillings removed and to work with a naturopath but sadly just have no money for that kind of thing but I’m sure it would help me. I’m at the mercy of the NHS, when they have done all the tests they want to do they just write you off (well, in my experience that is!).

[designguy in reply to rustydog]

I did get rid of the sibo with the help of some anti-fungals. I've found taking Neem capsules and GSE (grape seed extract) to be helpful and I sometimes use Lugol's Iodine. Reducing my gluten and sugar has helped, I also have very limited dairy. Food allergies can also be an issue so it's good to eat a varied diet so your body doesn't develop an intolerance to something. Apparently if we eat a lot of one thing we can develop an allergy to it so you can use that as a clue. My experience has been that western medicine doctors know nothing about treating digestive disorders and a lot of times cause more harm than good so I have used natural practitioners and supplements. There is a lot of good info on youtube about sibo/candida, etc... I like this lady and haven't bought her book yet but am thinking about it: thesibodoctor.com/

[rustydog in reply to designguy]

thank you, I will check that out.

[Starrlight]

I just cut out gluten and I’m not sick all the time anymore… my sister also has celiac disease.

[Schnoodle2017]

yep, certainly do have both of these. IBS can actuwkky bring you mood down. When that happens there’s the anxiety and depression. I can have something worrying me. Give a little time and gut and bowels will react to the trouble on my mind.

I’ve had to learn coping techniques to deal with worry, anxiety etc. it works for me to a certain extent. Sometimes it works really well. If the worry is too great then, I just have to put up with my symptoms and think thst the cycle will break soon. Distraction helps me a lot. Even going out and meeting someone does help once there and fully engaged in the moment.

It’s tough, it really is. Mind you, these things seem worse for me in the winter compared to the summer.

[rustydog in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Yea, I am definitely much worse in the winter months.

[BedBug]

Yes,everything that has been posted is true. I am there with you. It is hard for someone who hasn't been there to know what your talking about. Alot of times you are basically on your own. Trial and error. You need to be flexible and keep an open mind. I found if I keep a record of what I eat and my mood I can figure out how and if particular food is affecting me. It is a long process but it does get better. Know you are not alone. Hang in there.