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Emotional aspects of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Many people with IBS feel drained emotionally by the stress of living with the disorder, and the resultant crises and responsibilities in their lives continually deplete their inner emotional strength and reserves, often leading to anxiety or even depression.

Before a patient can begin the process of working through their IBS, they frequently need an emotional ‘top-up’ of these inner reserves. In essence, they need their emotional batteries charged, as they have likely endured years of unstoppable pain and discomfort, of being told by various medical professionals that there is nothing that can be done, and intrusive or painful examinations and tests. In addition, family and work relationships may have been strained or eroded by living with an incurable illness, social and love lives may have dwindled to non-existence, and confidence and self-esteem may be at low ebb.

With all of these additional stress factors the ability to put IBS in perspective is drastically reduced. If a patient begins IBS therapy at this point, they will be completely unprepared for the process and unable to act upon the instructions, and failure is likely if not certain.

Michael’s program (IBS Audio Programme 100™) takes these IBS-specific circumstances into account, and tailors the hypnotherapy sessions to increase confidence and self-esteem first, in order to allow the patient to begin a journey of physical and emotional improvement and management. Then begin the changes in their thoughts, the exchange of negative beliefs and feelings for positive ones, and the ability to move away from the symptoms and thoughts of IBS and forward towards a life without the disorder.

The IBS Companion is a helpful tool for IBS patients who wish to share information with their families or colleagues about living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome