Self help programs may help some sufferers of anxiety related IBS.

Article by Kev

Self help programs, self Improvement, personal development all relate to the idea that anyone can improve their lives in multiple areas.

They can do it by learning to look at things from a new perspective, and focusing thier attention on gaining positive outcomes rather than focusing all thier attention on the things that they don't want.

There are many books, dvd's, audio CD's, work shop programs available that all offer slightly different approaches to the concept of self help but all have similar aims, and that is to help you get the best out of your personal, emotional, financial, intellectual, spiritual and physical lives.

So what do Self help programs have to do with IBS?
They can have an awful lot to do with IBS.
You choose how you want to live with IBS. You choose the courses of action you need to take to help with the symptoms . You choose what Diet you follow. You choose how you deal with stressful issues...

Essentially, YOU choose everything about how you live your life and EVERY decision (or indecision) you make has an outcome.

It's the basic universal law of 'cause and effect'.

Now, I'm not saying that with Self help you can 'Wish away' your symptoms, but what I am saying is that you can decide how you live with them, and learn to adjust the way you think and the way you perceive things, to get a more positive result.

The power of right-thinking
One of the big causes of IBS in many people is anxiety, worry and stress. It's a well known fact that there is a link between the mind and body and people can quite literally think themselves ill.

For example, think of when some people see something nasty or feel really uncomfortable they often say "I'm feeling sick to my stomach". They genuinely start to feel sick, and in some cases vomit, purely on what was going through their minds.

Note - Now it is important to mention that if a doctor has suggested someone is 'clinically' depressed, then it's very important to follow the advice of that doctor and take any medication prescribed. There is a very important distinction between someone who needs professional medical help and someone who is just feeling a bit anxious. Always go to your doctor for advice if you have long term symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression etc.

Self help programs / books can really help you to learn how to deal with stressful issues better.

This in turn will help you be better equipped to deal with any anxiety issues which will lessen the chances of you experiencing IBS due to the mind / body link.

Think of them as yet another tool in your arsenal of weapons of learning to Live with IBS.

Keep an open mind and try them out, along with any diet changes you make and the forms of IBS medication you try, you'll be well on your way to learning to cope better with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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