Illustration created for Health Union, LLC Irritable Bowel Syndrome Community “Why I Advocate”.

The tone of this community is lighthearted and often humorous while also seeking to destigmatize the disease and spread awareness of the pain, discomfort, shame, and embarrassment associated with living with IBS.

In this article, the writer shares the importance of advocating and being open about struggling with IBS and how this has even led to a more supportive and comfortable work environment where coworkers support each other during IBS flares.

For the concept, I chose to show a worker blocking and protecting their fellow coworkers in the restroom, holding a megaphone to indicate they are confident in openly sharing about IBS. The coworkers in the bathroom give thumbs up of approval as they feel supported.