Acupuncture Constipation Digestion Fatigue Ibs Article
Depression and IBS
Ever since doctors have been aware of IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, they have also known that there is a link to it and depression; they just don’t know for sure whether it is caused by depression, or whether it actually causes patients to suffer from depression. Many believe that just like stress tends to make IBS symptoms worsen, depression may do the same. Others think that the depression actually comes from the IBS, patients feel so overwhelmed by the extreme pain and embarrassment that their IBS causes them that they often succumb to depression. Whatever the link is, it does seem that IBS and depression go hand in hand, if you are diagnosed with one, you will often be diagnosed with the other at some point.
Due to the fact that people with IBS will at some point likely find themselves suffering from depression, when an IBS diagnosis is made, the physician will also likely prescribe anti- depressants as well. Some think that the medication actually can help lessen the pain that some sufferers feel, and that since depression seems to worsen IBS symptoms, then they can help combat those by giving the medication to prevent depression in the first place.
Many people who have IBS have problems eating, because they often have uncontrollable diarrhea after they eat a meal, which can be embarrassing, especially if they are out in public, or dining with others. Gas is also a common complaint heard from IBS sufferers, and that coupled with the diarrhea often starts to impact the patient’s social life, making them opt to stay home and eat alone rather than go out with friends as they normally would have done. They are too embarrassed to explain to their friends why they don’t feel like going out, and eventually, they will find that they have alienated themselves, and often sink into a depression due to that fact. The good thing is that this is not the case for everyone who has irritable bowel syndrome, but for those who do suffer this way, it can be a devastating blow to their self-esteem and confidence as well.
Due to the deep depression that these IBS patients fall into, they often are unable to perform even the simplest routines of their daily lives, and will often end up unemployed due to absenteeism or poor quality of their work. Depression interferes with your concentration and ability to focus, even on simple tasks, so depending on your job, your work is likely to be one of the first things to start to reflect it. People who suffer from depression often have trouble sleeping, which further interferes with concentration and focus, and the depression coupled with your IBS symptoms will often make you feel so tired that you don’t even want to get out of bed everyday.
If you have been diagnosed, and think you may also be suffering from depression, you should talk with your doctor immediately. Don’t postpone it thinking that you are just down in the dumps and that it will all go away in a few days, because it may not, it may actually get worse. If you allow your depression to go untreated, it could turn into other more serious mental problems, which you don’t need, on top of your IBS that you already have to deal with. People who think they can handle their depression alone without medical help often begin showing signs of anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, or sink deeper into depression, with thoughts of suicide and self destruction foremost in their minds.
Don’t feel ashamed to talk to someone about your IBS and how it makes you feel. Let your doctor know if you show any signs of depression, and follow his advice to the letter. Just because you suffer from IBS doesn’t mean that you have to give up your friends and your life as you know it, you may have to make some adjustments, but it is not the end of the world, as it may seem!
