The thought of moving my bowels in a public restroom makes me uncomfortable. Now, the thought of moving my bowels in a public restroom while having diarrhea and severe abdominal cramping makes me feel anxiety. Sadly this is a fact of life from thousands of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

What Are Common Symptoms Of IBS?

1. Abdominal Cramping
2. Abdominal Pain
3. Bloating
4. Flatulence
5. Constipation
6. Diarrhea

Now think of what it is like to have to deal with any one of these Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, let alone all, while you are out on the town. You would constantly be thinking, obsessing, worrying about it. That right there causes emotional distress which would then cause your symptoms to worsen. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a psychological disease and I’m in no way saying that it is. It’s just that stress worsens IBS symptoms.

IBS Sufferers Need To Relax

How can you relax when you have all of these symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome going on? Well there are a few things that you can do to cut down on the amount of emotional distress you suffer as a result of your IBS symptoms. If you feel a little more prepared to handle some of the symptoms while you are out…that is a great start.

Be prepared with over the counter medication that will lessen your IBS symptoms should they arise while you are out. Just knowing that you have that as backup will make you relax a little more. You could carry Beano for flatulence, Imodium for diarrhea, etc. Sure you will be walking around stocked like a drugstore but the peace of mind will be well worth it.

I would also suggest being able to make a quick getaway. Part of my worrying when it came to being out with a group of friends was the fear that if my symptoms kicked in and I wanted to go home I would need to ruin other people’s night by asking them to leave to. I now make sure that I bring my own car or have a plan as to how I can leave by myself if it comes to it. This way I can just make something up and don’t have to suffer the embarrassment of people knowing I needed to go home and sit on the toilet all night.

If you truly find that you can’t relax because of the dreaded irritable bowel syndrome symptoms looming over your head you may want to consider the option of having your doctor prescribe you a mild tranquilizer. This will make you relax whether you like it or not. Once you take out the emotional distress piece of IBS I think you will find it easier to deal with your symptoms. Once you find it easier to deal with your symptoms you won’t worry so much about having them. Once you don’t worry so much about having them you will find that the symptoms of IBS decrease. You’ll turn the vicious circle around the other way.