The link between stress and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is not to be ignored. While its effect is not as strong on the system as food, stress can irritate IBS symptoms, and cause health problems.
Stress and IBS
There are several theories that link stress to IBS. Studies have shown that about sixty percent of those with IBS also suffer from some sort of psychological disorder, most commonly generalized anxiety and depression. The colon is also linked to the nervous system which is obviously affected by stress.
Stress and the Body
Stress presents itself in the body in many ways. Headache, high blood pressure, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, sleep problems, weight loss and back pain can all be caused by stress. Anxiety, depression, irritability and inability to concentrate are emotional representations of stress. These physical and emotional effects of stress often lead people to drink, smoke, over eat and withdraw from others. Combined with stress and IBS, these behaviors can lead people into spiral where they medicate one problem with another.
Stress Therapy
Stress therapy involves identifying sources of stress, confronting them, and removing stress. It also creates ways for people to deal with unavoidable stress. You may keep a stress diary of situations that caused you stress over a given period of time, and how you dealt with the stress. Thinking of ways to relieve stress when the situation is unavoidable teaches a skill that will be useful your whole life.
Possible Stress Relievers Include:
- Meditation
- Deep Breathing
- Gentle Stretching
- Physical Activity
- Sleep
- Conversation
You may want to consider seeking a therapist specializing in stress management if you feel you cannot control your stress levels. Most people with IBS improve after a diet change and medication. Others require the assistance of a mental health professional who might use cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, relaxation therapy or psychotherapy to relieve symptoms.
Whatever you may choose to do, it’s important to relieve stress, both for your physical well being and your emotional health. If you have IBS, stress is one more problem to deal with.
Find additional ways to alleviate your symptoms of IBS here.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR99999
