Depression and the Emotional Side of Crohn's Disease
Managing Crohn's disease can be stressful and frustrating at times, but you can find ways to better manage both emotional and physical Crohn's symptoms.
By Katherine Lee
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD
Living with Crohn’s disease and continually having to manage Crohn’s symptoms can take an emotional toll on you — and even lead to depression. But taking control of your Crohn’s can help alleviate stress and prevent or ease feelings of depression.
Crohn’s and Depression: How to Manage Emotions
When you have a chronic illness like Crohn’s, it’s important to address the emotional effects of managing your condition in addition to treating the physical symptoms. Getting Crohn’s support and becoming educated about the illness are among the most effective steps you can take.
Try these stress-management approaches, which address the stress of having Crohn’s as well as stress from other sources:
Remember that you are not alone. More than 1.4 million people in the United States are living with an inflammatory bowel disease — either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, says Jacquelyn Spencer, manager of the Information Resource Center and patient education at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
Learn about your illness. Knowing the facts about your disease — being aware of possible complications and being armed with information toprevent flares and treat Crohn’s symptoms — will make you feel more in control of your illness. “The more knowledge you have about your disease, the more it will reduce your stress,” says Spencer.
Do not stop your treatment. “Many people stop taking their meds when they feel well,” says Spencer. “That’s when they can experience a relapse.”
Plan ahead. Being prepared, such as having an emergency change of clothes, carrying a slim pack of wipes with you, and knowing where bathrooms are when you travel somewhere new, can go a long way toward easing anxiety.
Expect emotional turbulence. “It is not uncommon for people with Crohn’s to feel stress,” says Spencer. “There can be some depression and mood swings. In some cases, some of the meds can be the cause.” The important thing is to not let your stress get out of control. Prepare for the unexpected and take it in stride the best that you can. Practicing a stress-management technique, like meditation or deep breathing, may help you regain control.
Treat the depression. Being proactive can help you handle any depression symptoms. Lifestyle changes like exercise may help, but don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about professional counseling, such as psychotherapy, or antidepressant medication.
Find a Crohn’s support group. “Many people tend to isolate themselves when they have Crohn’s disease,” says Spencer. “It is better to share and to realize that it is not uncommon to feel stress.” While it’s important to depend on your friends and family, there may be times when you want to talk to other people with your condition. That’s when joining a Crohn’s support group can be very useful. They can provide information and support, as well as an outlet to vent your feelings. You can attend support groups in person or join an online group through organizations like CCFA. “It’s a place where people can post personal stories,” says Spencer. “Online communities can be very important.”
Start a journal. Take time once a day, once a week, or whenever you have a spare moment and write down your thoughts. “Letting out your feelings in a notebook or journal can be very helpful,” says Spencer. You can also use this journal to recognize how different stressors in your life affect your Crohn’s symptoms.
Managing Stress to Manage Crohn’s
It’s important to get a handle on your stress for more than your emotional health — stress may actually worsen your Crohn’s symptoms. Stress can lead to adverse physiological changes even among people who do not have a chronic illness, and in times of stress, Crohn’s patients may be more likely to experience a flare-up of symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe chronic stress has also been linked to increased inflammation, and Crohn’s disease is marked by inflammation along the digestive tract.
By doing what you can to manage your stress, including sharing your feelings with a Crohn’s support group and learning more about Crohn’s disease, you can prevent and relieve some of the emotional burdens of your condition.
