Anxiety

[Guest amyjack]

Does anyone have any tips on coping with anxiety? All of this stomach trouble makes me afraid to leave the house. I don't want to do anything. I'm still getting used to the diet and if I eat something wrong I have diaherra for a week. All I think about is the next time I'll have to go. Help!

[StrongerToday]

I've been there. I know exactly where you are coming from. I've even posted about it, as well as many others.

Something that has really helped me, but of course you need to work with your doctor, was going on an anti-depressant. It really has helped to cut back on the anxiety/panic attacks I was having. Also, my working with my therapist, I've helped to develop stratagies and plans. Sometimes it's as simple as having a change of clothes with me (not that I've ever needed it, but nice to know it's there), by scoping out all the bathrooms, etc.

How long have you been gluten-free? Things will get better as you start to heal too.

Good luck!

[CarlaB]

I take St. John's Wort for depression. It works for mild cases.

For the anxiety, once you get healed a bit and don't have to worry about where the closest bathroom is, it should lessen. Just try to keep aware of what is reasonable and what is not. If there is no bathroom, it's reasonable to feel anxious. I ate at home, then went out so that eating wasn't a worry. Now I've learned places that I'm safe eating, so I don't have to drive home every time I'm hungry. Just take it slow and try to pinpoint why you're feeling anxious. If it's not a reasonable fear, then try to do what you can to tell yourself that and overcome it. A little bit of anxiety over the changes is normal, but you don't want it to get out of hand and control your life.