Anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome/GI Issues w/Dr. Sula Windgassen (Ep 034)

When anxious, stressed, or afraid, the gut and GI tract are almost instantly impacted. This is true for a huge number of people, anxious or not. This week Josh and Drew are joined by health psychologist Dr. Sula Windgassen to talk about anxiety and IBS. Dr. Sula specializes in a cognitive behavioral approach to supporting people struggling with IBS, Crohn's, colitis, other GI issues, and other chronic illnesses. In this episode we're talking about: The real nature of the gut-brain connection Validating the fact that anxiety can and often does have a real physical impact on the GI tract How anxiety can not only trigger these issues but can also make them worse than they have to be based on magnified fears surrounding these physical responses How a cognitive-behavioral approach is beneficial when struggling to get a grip on the intersection of anxiety and IBS/gut issues. Find Dr. Sula online: Instagram (@the_health_psychologist_) All Dr. Sula's Links ---- If you love Disordered and think you might benefit from spending 30 full days in an everyday intensive small group recovery support group led by Josh and Drew,⁠⁠ check out Disordered Boost at https://disordered.fm/boost⁠⁠ ----- Want to ask us questions, share your wins, or get more information about Josh, Drew, and the Disordered podcast? Visit us on the web at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disordered.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: Disordered is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to Disordered does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the hosts of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.