For many people, receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity, a sense of validation and a path forward. But when you’re told,‘It’s just IBS‘, and sent on your way, it can feel like anything but. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often treated as a vague, catch-all condition for unexplained digestive symptoms, leaving patients feeling unheard, unsupported and stuck with a life of discomfort and uncertainty.
But is IBS really ‘just’ IBS? Why do so many doctors dismiss IBS as something you simply have to learn to live with? Let’s explore the reality of IBS, the frustration of feeling unheard and how you can advocate for yourself to find the right solutions.
The frustration of being told ‘It’s just IBS‘
After months (or even years) of suffering from digestive distress—bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, nausea—you finally seek medical help. You undergo extensive testing: blood work, stool samples, ultrasounds maybe even a colonoscopy. But when everything comes back normal, your doctor delivers the final verdict:
‘There’s nothing wrong. It’s just IBS. Try to manage your stress and eat more fibre’!
Wait… what?
You leave the office feeling dismissed. Your symptoms are still real, still debilitating, yet the message you’ve received is clear: there’s nothing to be done. You just have to deal with it.
If you’re struggling with IBS and looking for guidance, be sure to download my free IBS relief guide—it’s packed with tips and strategies to help you get started on managing your symptoms. Grab your copy here!
The problem with this response is that IBS isn’t a trivial condition—it’s a chronic, life-altering disorder that can disrupt everything from your daily routine to your mental health. Being told to just live with it minimizes the struggle of those dealing with it every day.
IBS: more than a ‘non-diagnosis‘
IBS is now recognized as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, which means it stems from miscommunication between your brain and your gut. In simple terms, the brain and gut are constantly sending signals to each other to regulate digestion, but in IBS, these signals get mixed up or misinterpreted. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Chronic pain and cramping
- Sudden, urgent trips to the bathroom
- Debilitating bloating
- Nausea and food intolerances
- Mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression
What’s frustrating is that while IBS is recognized as a legitimate disorder, it’s often treated as a diagnosis of exclusion. Once serious conditions like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease or colon cancer are ruled out, IBS is handed out as a label—often without much guidance on managing it.
For many, this feels like a dead end rather than a diagnosis.
Why are doctors so quick to dismiss IBS?
Medical professionals aren’t always dismissive on purpose, but the healthcare system tends to prioritize conditions that show up clearly in lab results or imaging. IBS doesn’t fit that mold. Because it’s classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, many doctors struggle with how to treat it beyond offering vague advice like ‘reduce stress’ and ‘watch your diet’.
Here’s why IBS is often minimized:
- Lack of definitive testing – There’s no clear-cut test for IBS, making it hard to diagnose definitively.
- Overlap with mental health – Because stress and anxiety can trigger IBS symptoms, some doctors wrongly assume it’s all in your head.
- Limited treatment options – Since there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, doctors may not know how to provide effective relief.
- The myth that it’s “not serious” – Unlike conditions that cause visible damage (like ulcers or inflammation), IBS is often viewed as inconvenient rather than debilitating.
But just because IBS doesn’t look serious doesn’t mean it isn’t deeply impactful.
How to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed
If you’ve been told to just live with it, it’s time to push back and take charge of your health. Here’s how:
Find a second opinion
If your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, seek out a second opinion. A gastroenterologist with expertise in IBS and disorders of gut-brain interaction can provide a fresh perspective and explore tailored treatment options.
Work with an IBS dietitian
Find a dietitian who specialises in IBS. They can help you identify trigger foods, navigate elimination diets like low FODMAP and create a nutrition plan that works for your unique needs.
Seek psychological support (if relevant)
If stress or anxiety is contributing to your symptoms, consider consulting a therapist or psychologist. They can help address the mental health aspects of IBS and provide tools to manage stress more effectively.
Try gut-brain therapies
Explore treatments targeting the gut-brain axis, such as gut-directed hypnotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies are specifically designed to address the miscommunication between your gut and brain.
Join a support group
Connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Online or in-person IBS support groups can offer shared experiences, practical advice and emotional support to help you feel less isolated.
IBS is real—and you deserve real help
Being told, ‘t’s just IBS‘ can be incredibly invalidating, but don’t let it stop you from seeking relief. Your symptoms are 100% real. Your struggles are valid. And you do not have to suffer in silence.
If your doctor isn’t providing answers, keep pushing. Keep researching. Keep advocating for your own well-being. Because you deserve to be heard—and you deserve better than just being told to live with it.
