Are IBS and Anxiety Really In Control?
- 0593292
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Are You Really "Fine"? Or Is IBS and Anxiety Running the Show?
We say “I’m fine” so easily.But what if you're not?
If you paused for just a moment – really stopped and checked in – how are you feeling right now? Physically? Emotionally? In your gut?
So many of my clients with IBS also live with anxiety – whether they recognise it or not. They’ve learnt to dismiss, suppress, or push through symptoms and emotions, all while trying to keep life ticking along.
But this constant disconnect from body and mind can quietly feed a cycle of gut flare-ups, overthinking, sleep disruption, and low mood. It creates a cycle of IBS and anxiety that continues on and on.
The Truth? You Weren’t Taught to Feel.
Most of us weren’t taught how to listen to our bodies or understand our emotions. We were taught to stay polite, push on, and not make a fuss.
Maybe you were told:
“You’re too sensitive.”
“Don’t cry.”
“You’re fine, it’s all in your head.”
Sound familiar?
These messages – whether from family, school, work, or wider culture – teach us to ignore how we really feel. And when we ignore those signs for too long, it often shows up as IBS symptoms getting louder, anxiety growing stronger, and self-doubt taking over.
When You’re Disconnected, IBS Has the Upper Hand.
If you’re constantly in your head – worrying, planning, overthinking – it’s easy to miss the quiet whispers your gut is sending you. So the gut starts shouting louder and louder to be heard. And then you can't ignore it. And it starts controlling your life.
The body doesn’t forget. It holds on to emotions until they are processed. It's like pushing a beachball bellow water. You can only hold it there so long. Eventually, it explodes through the surface and hits someone in the nose. Usually you or someone close to you.
If you allow those emotions. Recognise them. Process them. They can bob along and no one gets hurt.
Emotional supression is how many mind-body conditions start.
IBS is a mind-body condition. The gut-brain connection is real. And anxiety, stress, and emotional disconnection can dial IBS symptoms right up.
So the question becomes: How can you reconnect – gently, simply, and without overwhelm?
Start Small. Start with E.A.T.
That’s why I created the EAT mini-course – a simple, science-backed tool to help you reduce IBS symptoms by reconnecting with yourself.
EAT stands for:
E = Emotions – like anxiety, embarrassment, disappointment, regret, frustration, and low mood.
A = Actions – such as worry loops, body-checking, Googling symptoms, or avoiding places in case there’s no toilet.
T = Thoughts – the inner dialogue that fuels both, like “I can’t cope”, “What if it’s something worse?”, or “What if I can’t find the loo in time?”
These patterns are learned, but that also means they can be unlearned. The EAT mini-course will gently guide you to:
Recognise your patterns without judgement
Tune into what your body is really telling you
Break the cycle of thoughts, emotions, and actions that keep IBS (and anxiety) stuck on repeat
This isn’t about over-analysing or pouring your heart out to strangers. It’s about understanding yourself more clearly – and responding with self-kindness and evidence-based strategies that actually work. IBS and anxiety relief is not just about what you eat. It's about how you E.A.T.
✨ Ready to feel more in control of your IBS and your mind?
Join me for the upcoming EAT Mini-Course: Unpacking Emotions, Actions, and Thoughts to Soothe IBS and Anxiety.
🧠💚 It’s short. It’s practical. And it’s designed with you in mind.
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