In our society today, the mentality is that the solution to every malady comes in pill form. All these cancer 'run/walks for the cure' are a good example. The money raised goes to support research not into prevention through nutritional education or prevention through stopping the administration of hormones in beef cattle, for example...but into 'the cure'. What is the cure? Drugs! Where does the money go? Into the pockets of the drug companies.
My point is that when you visit a doctor who is afflicted with this pervasive mentality, he reaches for the drug pad. And as patients, unless we leave his office with a prescription in hand, we feel that we have not been taken seriously; that the doctor doesn't believe that we have a true illness.
But just like the doctors themselves, we have been mislead and tricked by this 'a pill for every illness' mentality that the powerful drug companies promote.
Here's the thing; the treatment is probably 99% in our own hands where many illnesses, such as IBS are concerned. And that treatment and cure is LIFESTYLE change. And it makes so much sense. You look at the CAUSE first and make every effort in that regard.
If you go to a doctor with IBS, would you...or anyone prefer to be told, "DO the following: drink 2 glasses of water upon arising in the morning, make sure every meal is FULL of colourful vegetables and fruits,possibly have 4 - 6 ounces of wine every day, go for a daily half hour walk without sunblock (so as to absorb vitamind D) and without sunglasses (to get light into your eyes...good for mood) besides regular day ot day activity, connect with people and laugh every day, sleep well and do for others." and "DON"T do the following: eat greasy foods, dairy products, constipating foods, sugary foods and drinks, lots of breads and cereal products. And don't drink to excess."
OR.... would you rather be given pills with all their side effects...but be able to continue to abuse your body with poor dietary and lifestyle choices? Unfortunately, I believe that most people prefer the latter.
The oath every doctor takes when he graduates from medical school is '...I will keep myself far from all ill-doing...." which the majority of doctors break on a daily basis. Shame on the medical establishment for falling into the trap of Big Pharma!
Be your OWN first doctor and consider your doctor as a second opinion. YOU know your body best;and know how it functions better than any doctor cares to hear about. Listen to the messages it is giving you. Treat your body well. If there is pain or other symptoms of illness, figure out logically what is causing them and address them. This is where you have full control over your own destiny.
Treating mental illness can also be helped considerably with lifestyle changes. Supplements such as St John's Wort (not to be taken WITH anti-depressants) and fish oil and magnesium are recommended; maybe B12 if it is low which happens often over age 50. Of course, you may still require medication but maybe a lower dose. At least do the best for your body and mind by eating well...VERY well, keeping regular (there IS a colon/brain connection), drinking lots of water etc...as above.
Personally, I need to take a basic mineral supplement (besides other vitamins and mineral supplements) and that is magnesium...which is excellent for both the bowels and the brain.
You are stronger and more powerful than you think. Feeling much, much better is something you have control over. Take care of your body naturally. It needs you. Good luck!