Question:
Just found this site and I thank you for having it.
Already I was reminded that peppermint tea at least helps to ease the
system a bit. I'd forgotten that but will start with it again.
I know my dietary triggers to IBS and effectively avoid them most often.
Stress is another matter. Much more difficult to "avoid" and, once it is
there, well, its difficult to tell your boss or your children or whoever
that you need "time-out" and simply drop out of sight!
There are several sites I've seen with potential biofeedback,
stress-reduction programs, books etc. Anyone have real experience with
these and real success? I know everyone is different but...I would be
interested in whatever help you've found.
Answer:
Stress reduction definitely does work to help with IBS problems. But
don't think as stress reduction only in terms of biofeedback,
meditation, etc. We have people in our support group who get deeply
involved in hobbies such as music, crafts, readings, writing,puzzles,
etc., and see great help in reducing their stress and IBS symptoms. It's
more of finding something you can get so wrapped up in that you lose
track of time and of what's going on around you. This will help take
your concentration off your IBS, and the stress, and onto something
more enjoyable.
I know there will be some here who'll claim this is not scientific, or
the proper way, but I don't care. I've seen dozens of people get help by
doing this. And personally, I'd rather be open to trying almost anything
to rid myself of IBS symptoms than to sit in misery worrying if the
"scientific community" has done enough tests and double blind studies
for the appropriate answer. That could take years, and I don't want to
wait.
I was able to rid myself of 90% of my IBS symptoms through a combination
of prescription medications (although they weren't really meant for IBS
but I had a doctor who was willing to try new ideas), herbal products
and stress reduction.
I believe almost anyone can get the same results, albeit probably not
from the same things I did, if they are open to new ideas, and a trial
and error process.
for dealing with stress 'caused' by other people, i highly recommend Dr. Robert
Bramson's classic book "Coping with Difficult People." not about changing
others but understandign them, handling them effectively and learning to cope
so they don't stress you out. you can get it in paperback in most bookstores
(may be in self help or business section -- it's a big fave among both
employees and managers) for about $6. fun and easy to read as well as
insightful and helpful.
generally, it's not the event that causes stress -- it's how we handle it.
that's why some people 'thrive' on stress and others sicken on it. they've
found that people who have too little going on in their lives, who stay home a
lot, often have far higher stress levels than those who are very busy.
stress can be caused by inactivity and internal emotional states as much as by
'things happening.'
and as for being proactive...one of the best overall stress reducers i've found
is doing regular exercise.
