caret icon Back to all discussions

Has therapy helped?

I have IBS, ulcerative colitis also several bouts of C-diff. I feel like sometimes so much of my problems are anxiety driven. I tried taking Zoloft but the side effects were too much. I have recently heard about a “gastro psychiatrist “. Has anyone had any luck with any kind of therapy?

  1. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with so many digestive issues, that's really tough. I have IBS-D and it's also triggered by anxiety most of the time. Personally, I have only tried hypnotherapy using the app Nerva, here's an article about that: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/hypnotherapy-app. In the comments, mentioned that they tried therapy and that it helped, you can read their comment under the article. I'm also tagging them in case they'd like to share more with you. also wrote several articles about therapy, I'm going to link a couple of them for you: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/therapy, https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/therapy-at-home, https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/type-therapy-best-for-you. And here's another article about that includes a breathing exercise you could try: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/gut-brain-connection. I really hope that this helps and that you'll get more answers soon! All the best, Karina (team member)

    1. Pamela888 I saw a psychologist for about 5 sessions. She suggested a very interesting method for dealing with anxiety called Act. I purchased the book which is actually a handbook for therapists but I really liked the message. It works extremely well and makes a lot fo sense. Allows you to acknowledge the anxiety, let it sit there but not react to it. It explains that you cannot get rid of anxiety but you can control how you react to it. Very interesting and works for me. There are a few Act books, the one I read was Act, Made Simple by Russ Harris. I hope it helps if you decide to go for it, I believe there are many comments about it online. Also, I read recently that deep breathing is helpful when you are experiencing cramps or anxiety. Very deep breathe from the stomach, exhaling slowly, doing it for about 5 minutes. Not only does it calm you down but the cramps lessen as something to do with the muscle contractions with the deep breathing! It is pretty good. Please let me know if you find something that works for you, always good to hear about successes.

      1. Thank you for the quick response. I found a psychologist that specializes in digestive issues

        1. That's great, have been you been able to book an appointment already? Karina (team member)

      2. I was able to schedule but can’t see her until July!! Was put on a waiting list. My Gastro dr suggested I start up again with the IBguard (which had helped before) and Metamucil daily. Luckily they seem to both be helping. Fingers crossed 🤞

        1. Glad you were able to reach your Gastro Doc for some suggestions since they're scheduling so far out. Wishing you some relief ahead! Best, Kelly, Irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member

      Please read our rules before posting.