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5. IBS Is All in Your Head
Those without IBS might suspect that you’re playing up your symptoms when you mention your pain or meal modifications, but the scientific community agrees that IBS is most definitely a physical disorder, not simply a psychological issue.
Some people find the discomforts of IBS merely annoying, while others are forced to reconfigure their lives around the pain and urgency of their IBS. This is not a one-size-fits-all disease, and you can’t expect everyone to offer an adequate amount of sympathy. Just remember that no matter what others may believe, your pain is real and you have every right to the support and treatment available.
Resources
EverdayHealth (Common IBS Misconceptions)IBS Treatment Center (4 Common Misconceptions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome)AboutHealth (Top 10 Myths About Irritable Bowel Syndrome)IFFGD (IBS in Men: A Different Disease?)Mayo Clinic (Colon Cancer/ Risk Factors)IBS is a health condition that affects the large bowel, causing pain and cramping. IBS and mental health are closely related. Here's how.