April is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) awareness month, a time to raise awareness and educate people about this condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In case you don't know, IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, and it's estimated that up to 20% of the world's population is affected by IBS.
20% is a lot of people. That's more people than have asthma, diabetes, or blue eyes!
Maybe you're wondering why a psychology blog is raising awareness about IBS. It's because even though IBS is not a psychological condition, some of the most effective treatments for IBS are grounded in evidence-based psychology!
Unlike other gastrointestinal disorders that are the result of damage or injury to the digestive organs, IBS is a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction, which means that it's a nervous system disorder. And modern neuroscience-informed psychological therapies are really effective at managing some nervous system disorders, including IBS.
I've studied the gut-brain connection and how psychological tools and techniques can help people who suffer with sensitive guts for the past several years. Inspired by my results and in recognition of IBS awareness month, I'm happy to share that moving forward, I will be specializing in offering Gut-Brain Behavior Therapy for people with IBS and other sensitive gut syndromes.
To learn more, I invite you to check out my updated website.
I know that this topic may not interest all of you, but with up to 20% of the population suffering in silence and shame, I'm sure that some of you experience gut sensitivity. I do. It's time to destigmatize it and remember that for every blue-eyed person you run into, there are two "gut responders".
And that Gut-Brain Behavior Therapy offers real hope to end that suffering! It's very exciting, empowering, and interesting, and I can't wait to tell you more. Click here to subscribe to my mailing list for insights, tips, and updates!