Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Feeling depressed about IBS

Hey there,

I know exactly what you are going through! I was diagnosed my sophomore year of college (now I'm a senior..yay)but it changed things dramatically! I actually was going through a depression when I was diagnosed. I am still unclear as to whether the depression started first or if my IBS flarred so badly that it caused a depression (cuz I was hardly eating anything and your mind needs food to function properly). Anyway, I lost a ton of weight, looked immaciated, and I was just so unhappy. Then to be told that I could never have ice cream, store-bought cookies and cakes, etc. just pushed me over the edge!

I have such a sweet tooth and I was so sad that I could never eat my favorite foods again. Then, thank GOD, I found Heather's books and then later this message board! Seriously, you are heading down a much happier road since you found this board! Everyone is going through similar experiences and we all understand your depression over the new food barriers.

Luckily, there are so many recipies on this board and in Heather's books, that you can pretty much make any alternative to your favorite trigger foods. For instance, I was SOOO excited the other night when I made the fat free hot fudge brownies...yes I said BOWNIES!!! I thought I could never have them again

But these where soooo good and even my 7 other roommates were raving about them.

So you see, it is just taking it in strides. At first it seems like you can not eat a thing in the world, but as time goes on, you'll find foods that you can eat or alterations to foods.

The best thing to do is to fight off depression, honestly! It is such a horrible disease and you do not need it on top of your IBS, trust me, I know from experience. Seek help EARLY and don't let it get control of you. That is my best advice. And experiment with foods, you may be surprised!

I hope everything gets better for you!

Kristen

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