Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I am sure that there have been a lot of IBSers that have received counseling or been diagnosed with depression - so I am hoping some of you guys can help me out.

I have an appointment with my primary doctor today to discuss a possible diagnosis of depression, and possible begin antidepressants and/or counseling. From everything I've researched, my symptoms are an almost perfect match for depression: being sad off and on constantly, crying 3-4 times a week for really dumb reasons (I even started crying to the nurse over the phone when I made the appointment!), having a diminished self-worth, feeling hopeless about my future, and being unable to concentrate on anything at work or at home without great effort.

I know I've had a lot go on this year with ending a 4-year relationship, beginning a new one (which has been nothing but wonderful), being a primary decision maker for my grandma's health after her stroke (and devoting 3 days a week to driving to see her 2 hours away roundtrip), participating in a graduation ceremony without earning a degree because I was a few units short, dealing with work bs, and being homeless for 2 months during the summer until I finally found a place to live (but don't feel like it's home for some reason).

My IBS was non-existant all summer long, and has really only come back for Labor Day weekend and a few attacks here and there. This to me is the weirdest part because I had the most stressful summer.

I've never been to a counselor of any type before and often get told that I don't share my feelings very easily. I'd like to change this, but am very nervous about beginning that process with a counselor. Is it weird to tell a stranger stuff? What type of things do they want to know about? How many people have found counseling to be benifical?

Thanks for any advice you guys can give me!

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- Jennifer

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