stress and depression

Irritable Owl, 

I'm in a very similar position to you, after too suffering from a bullying situation at work and I have yet to feel brave enough to return to the workplace, so congratulations on your big step. I was advised to go to group conselling and one to one counselling, I don't know if a regular meeting for yourself may help with the transition back to work and head off any new worries or obstacles you may face on your return sooner rather than later, I certainly found comfort with it. As for the stomach pains, I too had these! I was told that it was due to my being so tense that my stomach muscles would tense and release/contract as a response to my stress. I personally found drinking lots of water and using breathing techniques (such as breathing in slowly for 4 counts and breathing out for 7) would naturally help me through the pain and focus on releasing those muscles and in turn the pain. As for food, I couldn't tell you what it made it worse or better for me, but perhaps keeping a diary on the foods you eat and the pattern of your stomach pains may help you weed out anything that particularly makes it flare up. 

Hope this helps, and good luck. 

F.x

Dear Irritable Owl - firstly what a fantastic handle!  Wish I had thought of that - I used to keep owls too.    Next - stress/depression/loss of confidence is not a vicious circle, because you can get out of it. Although most of us here have DD (diverticular disease) we have found some friends here and even the occasional smile.  Your first step is to change your diet completely.  From what you have said the removal of alcohol is a good thing to have done.  Good for you.

Look up on line a low residue diet.  This is boring I know, but if you can stick with it for a fortnight, it will give your innards a chance to (metaphorically) heave a sigh of relief.  Slowly reintroduce a bit of fibre.  Give it a full 24 hours before adding any more. Then try something different. Again, another 24 hours. If this goes well, then you can progress from there.  Only you can decide the speed and nature of your new diet.  You are in charge.

Hopefully, when you are feeling physically better, your mental state will also improve.  I wish you all the best.  Take care and I hope to see you on here again soon with some good news.

wow I owl what a sad story, Where does one start to make you whole again Think you should join  DIVA DINERS forum first of all, lots of nice people with similar problems and some real help with what and not to eat . Come on over to https://patient.info/forums/discuss/divi-diners-246516

Jacqueline

Good too know you still have your sense of humour "irritable owl " hehehe. Thatwill get you through most things, I find.  Having read other replies I really don't have much too add to those wise words - I think they are impressive !  The breathing techniques in particular would be worth doing, have done some myself and they do help.  

 Good luck

Dear Irritable,I do hope you have found some help here.  Do come back to us and let us know if there is anything else you wanted to talk about.  All the best.

why did you ask for help; and then do a runner, we at divi diners find your actions very "irritating"" how can we help you ,if you have "flown the Nest"? If nothing else 

we can make you smile Jac