To me, IBS awareness means that people who have it understand what all the symptoms are. It took years before I realized that some symptoms were actually part of the illness. It also means that physicians know and share with patients all the possible treatment options. Not one doctor has told me about the low-FODMAP diet or has asked me to do an elimination diet. It also means that friends, family, co-workers, etc. understand it is a real illness that is truly debilitating. Sometimes people seem to think we're just not tough enough and overreact to stomach upset.