Today's episode is really unique because we're talking about how to support someone with IBS and how to not actually support someone with IBS. In the States alone 10-15% of the population suffer from IBS and twice as many women have it as men. Gastrointestinal issues are becoming increasingly commonplace, and there still remains little support and resources for those who are suffering and for their loved ones. In today's episode, I am talking to Christine, an amazing woman and IBS advocate who has dealt with her diagnosis since 2007. During our conversation, Christine shares her own experience with IBS. She talks about ways to cope emotionally with IBS and seek support, dealing with blame and unsolicited advice, and how you can actually support someone with IBS. In this episode, we cover:
- Christine shares her IBS journey and how it impacted her mental health [0:29]
- Ways to cope emotionally with IBS and how to seek support [7:25]
- Dealing with stigma, feeling unheard by doctors, and sustaining relationships [13:13]
- Falling for the victim mentality and receiving unsolicited advice [25:11]
- How to actually be supportive and feel supported [34:45]
- Having tough conversations with family and focusing on self-support [44:36]
This episode is brought to you by Nerva - a non-invasive, evidence-based, at-home IBS management tool. Nerva is an app that provides gut-directed hypnotherapy through a structured six-week program, followed by a maintenance plan. Use this link to try Nerva today at 30% off:
https://nerva.app.link/thegutshow About our guest: Christine has been living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome since 2007. Struggling to manage the pain, anxiety & loneliness that comes with IBS, Christine created an Instagram account called MyIBSLife in June of 2019 as a way to cope through humor. Her page has now become a home and community to 45,000+ chronic illness warriors who are looking to be understood, heard and validated. Through MyIBSLife, it is Christine's mission to bring awareness to the reality of living life with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and other digestive disorders, through humorous and relatable content. It is also her goal to create and maintain a safe, open place for others to share their own chronic illness journeys. Connect with Christine: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/myibslife/ (@myibslife) TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@xtineolivo?lang=en (@xtineolivo) Twitter:
https://twitter.com/myibslife (@myibslife) Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChUGg9E9WhlaacUuHPB09BQ (MyIBSLife) Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/myibslifeofficial (@myibslifeofficial) Podcast:
https://anchor.fm/myibslife Join The GUT Community: The Facebook group for those with IBS and digestive health conditions to connect, encourage one another, and dive deeper into the topics we cover on The Gut Show. Join here:
facebook.com/groups/thegutcommunity Connect with Erin & the Gutivate team IG: @erinjudge.rd or @gutivate Website:
www.gutivate.com Schedule a consult:
bit.ly/jnwconsultcall FREE: IBS Fundamentals Mini Course
https://www.ibsmastermethod.com/ibs-fundamentals-sign-up Start taking control of your IBS with the MASTER Method Foundations Course
bit.ly/mmfoundations Track your symptoms & understand your body better My Gut Journal is a 90 day gut tracker to build awareness in your mind & body. Get yours at
www.gutivate.com/store/mygutjournal
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