IBS Stigma at Work

By Shannon Grantham

2 min read

Lately, it feels like my world has fallen apart, mostly due to huge life changes that have happened over the last year or so. Along with moving, and going through a breakup, comes looking for a new job. I don't mind this too much, actually. My problem is, how do you address having IBS when interviewing for a new job with a new company?

Talking about IBS at work

For many years I wouldn't bring it up. It's always been a topic that is so taboo to talk about in public. I mean, who wants to talk about your gut issues with new people that you may work for soon? It's definitely not on my list of things I enjoy talking about.

While thinking on this subject, I realized all the stigma that can be attached to IBS. Not necessarily that we, as those with IBS, are doing anything wrong to cause it. But why is it a subject we are so keen to keep quiet about and deal with silently? Why do we feel the need to stay silent?

IBS stigma in general

I have always done whatever I can in my workplace to make things as easy as possible for those around me. Maybe that is just how I was raised. Swapping shifts, doing extra work, and taking on the projects no one else wants is just something I don't mind and enjoy doing. My thinking is if you and your coworkers can work well together, it makes the day go by easier, and it can also impact your customers (in my case, patients) that are around and see your interactions.

So, for those of us who are like me, who go above and beyond to help those around us, shouldn't we be able to ask for help if we need it? Even if it is just to be able to vent about IBS or have someone cover the phones in case of an IBS emergency. Over my 18 years of working, I honestly can't remember a time when I didn't feel embarrassed or even worried about asking someone to watch my desk or answer the phone for me due to needing to run to the bathroom.

It shouldn't be this way. In a world where we are so accepting and supportive of everyone and their choices, why can't we accept that some people need others to talk to, even about IBS? I know this is a life we didn't choose or want. It's not something we enjoy or want to have to deal with all day, every day, but we still do. We don't have a choice in the matter.

Start IBS talk at home

Work may not be the place to just walk up to someone and ask them about their gut, but we can start at home. We can show our family and loved ones that no, poop isn't fun to talk about, but the symptoms we experience are real and can be debilitating. I have been pretty transparent with my daughter. She knows of the issues I have, and this has made her a much more accepting girl. She has even realized some of her school friends have IBS as well.

Some days are easy. But bad days are when we need others just to be able to say, "I know I don't get it, but I am here for you."

Have you talked to your children about IBS and how it can affect even young ones with it?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

dklocey Member
 Shannon Grantham Yes, I know what you mean! After being off work for almost 7 months, I finally got back there! My whole family knows about my IBS-D & some of them have the same symptoms but refuse or can't get any help. I take medication & have the Axonics implant. I'm also taking allergy shots & have been going to therapy. I feel with all of thus I'm living a more normal life than I have in 40+ years. I just now talked to my Dr & he seemed pretty upset about people not getting any help for this condition when it's available. Good luck & hope you have a better life!🧡
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dklocey" user-id="2292873"/> I'm so glad that all these things help you lead a more normal life! It sounds like you have a good doctor who actually takes IBS seriously. I still haven't found one like that unfortunately, the ones I've seen never helped me at all. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
explodingguts Member
An employer is not entitled to know you are pregnant so IBS, too, is a private matter. The exception would be if you require special considerations, supports, time off, etc. Otherwise,employer reasonably expects you at the workplace ready, willing and able to fulfill duties. Never give anyone a reason to exclude you right at the starting gate. Trust is earned. I am loathe to burden anyone with medical info and am relieved when others feel the same. "I have a medical condition that would make attendance challenging" has provided sufficient reason to escape various events. Most people get it and don't press, bless them. 
1. poopdeckpaul Member
 <inline-mention username="explodingguts" user-id="2321200"/> yes I found out it's best to get the job first,then tell them about your condition in the form of a Doctor's letter. Especially if it starts to effect your employment.
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="explodingguts" user-id="2321200"/> I'm glad that this works for you! I also never specified that I had IBS at my last job, but the entire situation didn't work for me at all. The environment was super stressful. I'm a lot better since I started working for myself and from home. I guess it all depends on our preferences and the specific jobs. Hugs, Karina (team member)
CommunityMember2052 Member
yes IBS sucks really, it interferes with everything and no one really understands how painful it is, it's a lonely journey this IBS 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 I hear you. That's why this community is so important. We are glad you are here. I hope you are feeling okay today and having minimal symptoms. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
2. Michaela Contributor
 It is indeed! Even though this community is rather large, each individual journey with it can be difficult and lonely. How have you been feeling lately? ~Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
mktggirl Member
I agree that it's not necessary to bring up during a job interview, but after you have been on the job a month or two I do usually tell my coworkers (sometimes my boss) that I deal with a medical disability that can strike unpredictably, so I want you to be prepared if I suddenly need to cut an interaction short and I so appreciate your coverage. I think telling them in advance makes them trust you more that you are considering how they will feel when our inevitable flare happens, and they know you will make up for it however you can. If they ask I'm happy to briefly explain IBS-D and I actually found a coworker who was "me, too!" Also I've been very open with my daughters about this condition and they are both extremely accepting of what I deal with. I only need to have that look in my eye and either the 13yo or the 8yo will tell me "it's OK Mom, just go" and they'll either tag along or wait patiently for me to come back. I am so thankful for their understanding. And I agree this will help them accept people with all types of disabilities as they live their lives. 
1. Michaela Contributor
 I'm so glad that you have support in many areas of your life! That must take a huge weight off of your shoulders. It takes the stress off at work and at home with your daughters. Thank you for sharing how you advocate for yourself so openly! Best wishes, Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 I love how you tell your coworkers after a little. I do think it is rewarding when you are open and honest. I agree about not having to right at the jump. But like from your experience, you would be so surprised how for the most part people are very supportive. Glad to see you are open with your daughters as well. So sweet that they offer you support and strength. It must feel so good not having to hide symptoms. -Elizabeth (team member)
CommunityMember273 Member
Oh my yes there is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much embarrassment and stigma attached with having a poop disease,,, its funny with babies poop is a big topic that has no stigma attached to it,,, Im a new grandmother and poop is all the talk again with a baby . I am retired now, but it was tough when I was working because I worked in education and you cant just run to the bathroom whenever you want to.. So I never ate at work,, ever, which led to nutritional deficits which I still deal with. My family doesnt really get it either,, but that is a good place to start a conversation about IBS. I personally wouldnt divulge IBS in an interview,, but I guess that depends on what the job is. And the requirements of the job.. Ive lived with IBS my whole life, and now also with ulcerative colitis, and cant go anywhere anymore away from my own bathroom. When I do , its a major undertaking , I cant eat anywhere other than home, and then every day is different as to what my body and digestive system will tolerate and what it wont.. Glad to have found this site though, so much support and knowledgable articles. And a place to be able to say embarrassing things without shame. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember273" user-id="4717308"/> I'm sorry that it's such a struggle for you at the moment. Have you found anything that helps with your symptoms at all? It's funny now that you mention it, I'm a mom to a toddler and baby and we talk about their poop all the time. Yet I'm not even comfortable using a bathroom away from home, even less discussing it. I'm sure that living with IBS would be much easier without the stigma... Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
2. Michaela Contributor
 The stigma is one of the the big things that makes IBS so difficult! I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time with, but I'm glad that you found us! Having a community can be so helpful and I'm glad you are enjoying it! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Best wishes, Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
JustinOrr Member
Because of the negative stigma around talking about bowel movements for a long time I would keep everything to myself, especially at school growing up and work as an adult. It wasn’t until more recently that I started opening up to my coworkers about my IBS. I agree that during the interview process is not the best time to bring it up, but for most online applications now IBS is listed as a disability, which should have been included a long time ago. I started a new job a few months ago where I travel frequently and we have a lot of team outings and meetings. I don’t generally announce to everyone that I have IBS, but when the timing is right I’ll tell my close team members. This makes it easier to let them know that a 6am meeting is not ideal for me, or that my meal choices at restaurants we go to as a team may be limited. When you open up to people and are your true authentic self they respect you more for it, and are more willing to accommodate for your digestive symptoms. When you are more open it allows you to have more meaningful connections with people, and you’ll often find out that most people have something they have to deal with on a daily basis as well. You may feel more alone with IBS, but don’t think that you have to hide it from anyone. I often like to talk about IBS just to spread awareness. If my coworkers can’t be empathetic for my situation, they’re likely not worth having as friends anyways. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JustinOrr" user-id="4150492"/> I love what you said, it's so true that people who can't be empathetic aren't worth having as friends. Just like you, I also find that whenever I open up about my struggles, other people tend to do the same thing. I even found out that way that people close to me have IBS as well. How is the new job going for you? How are you feeling at the moment? Hugs, Karina (team member)
explodingguts Member
Personally, living with guys, I'm grateful for a certain cultural reserve in discussing BMs. 
1. Michaela Contributor
 Sometimes less information is better! Especially when its comes to being around men in a living situation. ~Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 LOL! -Elizabeth (team member)

Community Poll

Does your IBS prevent you from attending public events?