Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Disorders with IBS

2 min read

We recently conducted the 5th IBS In America survey. For this survey, we asked the community about experiences living with IBS in addition to depression, anxiety, and/or panic disorders. More than half (51 percent) of those who took the survey reported having anxiety or panic disorders. Forty-three percent reported having depression.

It is no surprise that many of our IBS community members have depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. According to 1 study, the odds are 40 to 60 percent that someone with IBS will also have at least 1 psychiatric disorder. These disorders may include depression and anxiety.¹

Advocates weigh in on depression, anxiety, and panic

We asked the advocates, "Have you experienced anxiety/panic or depression? Can you describe what that has been like for you or ways IBS has contributed to it?"

Amy Dodd Pilkington, IBS advocate "I have depression associated with bipolar disorder. I also have panic disorder. IBS is always agitated by stress, and it seems like an endless cycle of symptoms causing more symptoms. Each of these conditions has a direct effect on the others. If I am dealing with a lot of anxiety, I end up in a nonstop flare. The anxiety over having a flare keeps the cycle going." – Amy P.

Shannon Grantham, IBS Advocate "I have issues with all 3. Sometimes even leaving the house can set me off into a panic attack. Just the thought of not having a bathroom close and knowing I can have an episode can push me over the edge. I love driving and car rides but those as well can push me into anxiety attacks. The depression really kicks in when I am having a long episode that lasts more than a couple of days. Not being able to leave the house or just function as an adult. It's tough." – Shannon G.

Karina Ioffe, IBS Advocate "I've been dealing with anxiety ever since I started having IBS flares. It's based on my fear of getting another sudden flare when I'm not in my comfort zone, so it usually hits when I need to go out. Or worse, eat out. Although I often worry too much about everything, I don't experience anxiety related to anything else but IBS. Basically, it hits whenever I have to be in a situation where a flare would be very uncomfortable. It's the main reason why I work from home, too: I just couldn't handle the constant panic I felt when thinking about my next morning at work." – Karina

Sawyer Matheny, IBS Advocate "I have a generalized anxiety disorder, which is my strongest IBS trigger. Whether it's going on stage or having a stressful conversation or interview. The feeling of anxious anticipation flares my IBS every single time." – Sawyer M.

Share your experiences

How about you? Is depression, anxiety, or panic part of your everyday life, too? What are some healthy coping skills you have developed? Share in the comments below or visit our forums.

The 5th IBS In America survey was conducted online from June 8 through August 3, 2020. All of the 1,930 people who completed the survey have been screened to have IBS symptoms.

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madean Member
I have had IBS-C all my life. I have a tortuous colon which is very twisted. I suffer from depression and anxiety. I’m 72 years old, healthy, active walker and swimmer. I am on the low fodmap diet. Yet...I was doubled over with severe pain last night due to constipation. I use all the otc products but it still kicks in at its convenience. I’m so glad we can share our stories. 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 So sorry you are going through this. Have you had any improvement since this post? Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
madean Member
Thank you Elizabeth. I’ve had some calmer days. I appreciate your concern
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Glad things improved. Rooting for you. -Elizabeth (team member)
Meyy Member
I’ve also experienced panic attacks and anxiety from time to time. But usually it’s the anxiety for me. It triggers a lot when I feel weak or when I try to sleep. I took sleeping pill (lexomil) and it still doesn’t help me sleep. I’m 22 and sometimes I feel like I’m so young but why am I so sick and it sometimes makes me really sad. Usually if I was able to sleep I’ll wake up feeling great and energetic but lately I’ve been having problem with sleeping and nothing can calm me at all. 
1. Shannon Grantham Contributor
 Meyy I would seriously discuss it with your doctor. You could have something causing the sleep issues. I know for me I was having a horrible time sleeping and found out it was partly due to sleep apnea. I never snored before so we never thought to check for it. You primary could also recommend maybe changing sleep medication. I went through a few lately until I found one that works for me. Keep us posted please! Hugs - Shannon (team member)
2. Sam Costa Member
 <inline-mention username="Meyy" user-id="4166011"/> It sounds like a lot of folks have weighed in to offer some support and validation here. I hope that you will keep us posted on how you're doing. Thanks so much for sharing here.💙 - Samantha, <a href='http://IrritableBowelSyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
hiway280z Member
Finally, I found a site that deals with IBS, all the problems. I have done a lot of research and this is the only one I have found that mentions loss of bowel control with the IBS. I have that problem which when I have a flare-up keeps me home. Constantly having to clean myself during the day. So embarrassing. I was not sure it even had to do with IBS until I found this site that talks about it. I have tried everything to help control this disease. So far what is helping a great deal is, I take one IBguard tablet before my main meal. I take a probiotic, trunature advanced digestive probiotic (costco) 10 billion cells 12 probiotic strains. one a day. The biggest help I just added fiber once a day. Equate about a heaping teaspoon. This has helped a whole lot. A real big help once I added the fiber. I hope this helps others. I wish they could come up with a cure for this. My Dr. did say it does not turn into cancer which is the good news. I am 87 and had this for about a year and a half. The gut cramping and loud noise is not pleasant either.
1. hiway280z Member
 <inline-mention username="dklocey" user-id="2292873"/> Same here, I thought it was for constipation. I decided to try it. I take about a heaping teas usually daily. It made a big difference. My stool is more normal inconsistency now. It has helped a lot. Try it, you have nothing to lose. It can not do any harm. You can try different amounts to see what works for you. It takes a little time for it to work through your guts. After a week or so I saw a big difference.
2. dklocey Member
 <inline-mention username="hiway280z" user-id="4176675"/> So, is this the equate brand of Metamucil?
hiway280z Member
Thank you. Every other site I found just said pretty much the same thing, no help at all. We know the problem, we need help and this site seems to be giving it and a lot of support from others.
dklocey Member
I would like to know why doctors don't seem to want to help? I have 2 sisters who have problems like I do. One with diarrhea the other constipation, both with urgent bowel syndrome & loss of bowel control, or fecal incontinence as my dr put it. I've been trying for years to get help. I was seeing a counselor until she told me to throw a diaper on & go to work. I was trying to explain to her how sometimes I seem to be fine, until I have to leave home. Then Bam! I'm in the bathroom. I can be at work or in a store, running to the bathroom, stomach hurting, feeling like crap, & start driving home & realize how much better I feel. I am depressed because I can't have a "normal" life. Nobody will listen to me. Our Dad had problems with running to the bathroom & not making it. 
1. Michaela Contributor
 I'm so sorry you had that experience with the counselor. That is incredibly disheartening, both from them and the doctors. I hope that you will soon find someone who will listen to you and give you the respect you deserve. I wish you all the best. -Cheers, Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
dklocey Member
So, I tried to make it to work last night. Decided to stop at the pharmacy on the way & pick up a prescription for Xifaxan the dr says I should try. Went ahead & got psyllium husk as someone suggested. I was in line when it happened, you know, the embarrassing moment, AGAIN, when I 💩 on myself. If I'd been at work it would've been worse! So, I called in again, came home & took a shower, again, & now I'm going to try & sleep so I can go to work tomorrow night. Night all & thanks for listening. 
1. Sam Costa Member
 <inline-mention username="dklocey" user-id="2292873"/> Let us know how today goes. Sounds like a rough week. We're here for you! <3 - Samantha, <a href='http://IrritableBowelSyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 My heart goes out to you. Having an accident in public is the worst thing. Sorry you had to go through that while standing in line. I hope today is a better day. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)

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