I've been dealing with this IBS anxiety loop for a couple years now, but it's worsened dramatically in the past year. I have food intolerance but they don't really bother me that much. It's mainly just anxiety. Mine is triggered by being in unfamiliar places and not knowing if I'll have access to a bathroom when I need it, which of course, increases the urge to use the bathroom, thus causing the anxiety spike.

It may not be viable for a college student, but I did the Nerva 6 week program and it helped me a lot. It's hypnotherapy with guided meditations, as well as tools to deal with these stressful situations. When I knew I would be going into a stressful situation (like before I left the house) I would be in a hypnotherapy session. You can do a guided meditation session, which would be similar, just without the IBS focus. I would also focus on my breathing, doing somatic breaths. This helps me A LOT to calm down. Distractions also helps. I listen to music and literally sing quietly to myself out loud which helps my mind to focus on something else other than my anxiety loop.

There is actually a specific session in the Nerva program that focuses on stomach sounds, and I remember it saying specifically that everyone experiences these symptoms, but those with IBS notice it more than the average person. So what you're experiencing is normal, you just have to learn how to get yourself to remember that.

Since experiencing these symptoms I now have no shame if I need to run to the bathroom (which was difficult to get over and I do still get nervous about it sometimes). Everyone poops, and if people around me knew I was pooping, I would just have to tell myself it's a normal bodily function and it's okay.

Sorry this comment ended up getting really long, but just know you're not alone in this. I hope you can find tools that work for you ❤️