Start to treat your body as if it were a sick friend. You would do anything you could to help someone you loved if they were sick. Do the same with your own body. Stop fighting with your body and stop trying to control it. Listen to what it needs and do what you need to do to take care of it. Work toward overcoming your shame about your symptoms and try to take a more matter-of-fact approach. If you were with a 4-year-old who needed to “get to a bathroom, now!” you might be a bit hassled, but you would just do what needs to be done. If a friend canceled on an engagement at the last minute due to feeling sick, you would express concern and good wishes. You are every bit as deserving of that kind of care and compassion. Give it to yourself!
Six Steps for Having a Life with IBS
By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com
Updated August 13, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Like many IBS sufferers, you probably feel quite betrayed by your body. You are angry that it is acting up and preventing you from doing what it is you want to be doing. You are bewildered as to why you feel so sick so much of the time. Although these feelings are quite normal, it is important to learn to forgive your body for being so symptomatic. Your body is just reacting to the various sets of circumstance that it has found itself in.
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- Become Friends with your Body
- Learn to Put Yourself First
- Foster a Good Working Relationship with Your Doctor
- Establish Healthy Eating Habits
- Work to Develop a Strong Support Network
- Get Out There and Live!
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