Hi crazygut (I like your post name)..if the shoe fits, wear it! 
I too, have felt like you MANY times!! I started to have a dificult time getting restful sleep. I would fall asleep and then wake up in a couple of hours, lay there, worry, then fall back asleep, wake up in a couple of hours, worry...and on, and on.
I have, what the Dr. tells be is a bad case of IBS-D and I have had chronic diarrhea for almost 4 months now. Before that, I was perfectly normal. It's like this IBS thing just decided to creep up on me and turn me into somebody I'm not. I have fretted, worried, became anxious, depressed, tired, irritable, etc. since this started almost 4 months ago. What REALLY frustrates me is that there isn't any "answer" to why this is happening to me. I've had ALL of the tests...colonoscopy, x-rays, CT scans, hida scan, Upper GI, blood tests, stool cultures and all have turned up nothing...so the Dr. says I have IBS-D....hard bite to chew. I have tried antidepressants, but they didn't work for me. They made me feel worse and even more tired. I went to a 2nd GI Dr. and he put me on a Rx called Colestid. It has definetly slowed down the diarrhea. I only have it 1 to 2 times a day now. Better than 5-8!! I also am talking to a social worker and he is helping me deal with the stress and anxiety this terrible IBS-D has caused. Maybe you could check into a social worker. It helps some.
My social worker gave me a couple relaxation CD's. After you listen to them a couple of times, the better they work. You have to relax and focus on what the person is saying on the CD. It may be an inexpensive route for you to try. I'd consider getting a relaxation CD. Wouldn't hurt any! Use the CD on a pair of CD head phones and when nobody is around so you can totally relax and listen to it. It makes some people even fall asleep!
I am thinking about going to a "natural" Dr., one that recomends using vitamins and supplements instead of prescription drugs. Rx drugs side effects can be bad too. I have lost tons of hair and some weight. I am trying to gain weight back now. Trying not to stress and obsess about it though!! I know it will take time to get back in to the normal routine, but us IBS people do not have a choice. If we worry about IBS-D and obsess over it and feel sorry for ourselves, we will NEVER get better. Try taking a walk, meditation, yoga, reading, try a new hobby....get your mind off of it.
I hope this helps. I feel for you. Hang in there and please post if you are ever having "one of those days". I totally understand what you are feeling and going through. 
Try to SMILE! I'm sure trying too!
Post Edited (shelly1979) : 7/7/2006 11:09:56 AM (GMT-6)