Struggling with IBS and Anxiety in College

Oh my goodness friend! I’m sorry I’m late to the party. I’m actually currently going through the exact same issue. I’m on a meal plan this year and everything I eat makes me sick. So I’ve developed a lot of anxiety around eating too and lost a lot of weight. I started talking with a therapist about this along with my anxiety. The communal bathrooms are also a huge sore spot for me. I feel nervous and embarrassed. I know for me I do better when I go home which makes me hopeful this will pass. Will you be able to have a kitchen and more secluded bathroom next year? I’m currently just trying to make it through because sophomore year I get a kitchen and bathroom I only have to share with my roommates who understand my issues. Also sometimes what helps me is finding a bathroom that is not my own floors to go on with a stall that’s farther away from the rest. Other than that just stay strong. I’m right here with you ❤️

Yes, I can't eat because I'm afraid it'll get worse.

Yes, you are not alone! Sometimes even a sudden pain in my stomach will trigger an anxiety attack, just because I’m scared I’m going to have a flare up if I’m out in public!

i definitely relate to this. like others said eating small meals helped me and you should reach out to see if you can get accommodations for housing with private or suite style bathrooms. also scheduling my classes back to back if possible so i wouldn’t have to worry about being so anxious about eating and how my IBS would respond for the rest of the day

Yes I experience what you’re going through. I also eat small meals, because I worry if I eat big meals my stomach will go crazy.

Yes, my IBS gets worse when I’m anxious. I only eat small meals through the day and I eat the same thing pretty much every day. I really love avacado toast right now.