Community and Support
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's IBD support groups help people living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and their caregivers connect with others who understand. Share experiences, learn from peers, and find support at every stage of your IBD journey.
Support for Every Stage of the IBD Journey
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers support groups designed to meet the unique needs of people living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and those who care for them.
Real adult conversations and support
Connect with other adults living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in a welcoming and supportive community. Share experiences, learn practical strategies for managing IBD, and find encouragement from people who understand the challenges of daily life with inflammatory bowel disease.
Support for the next chapter you're building
Young adulthood brings new opportunities and new challenges when living with IBD. Connect with other young adults who understand what it's like to navigate college, careers, relationships, independence, and healthcare while managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Support for those supporting someone with IBD
Caring for someone with IBD can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Connect with other parents and caregivers to share experiences, exchange practical ideas, and find encouragement from people who understand the unique challenges of supporting a loved one with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
IBD Kidz & IBD Teens: Helping kids and teens thrive
Our pediatric support groups help children and teens with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis build confidence, friendships, and coping skills in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Through fun activities and peer support, kids and teens can connect with others who understand what it's like to grow up with IBD.
From elementary school through high school, we offer age-specific groups where kids and teens can build friendships, share experiences, and grow alongside peers who truly understand. IBD Kidz Littles is for ages 5–10, IBD Kidz Middles is for ages 11–14, and IBD Teens is for ages 15–18.
Shared wisdom, lasting connections
Whether you've been living with IBD for decades or were diagnosed later in life, our Older Adult Support Groups are designed for adults ages 55 and up. Connect with others living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis to share stories, discuss topics that matter most at this stage of life, and build lasting connections with peers who understand.
Find a community that understands you
Our community support groups bring together people with shared identities and life experiences, creating a welcoming space to connect, share, and learn from others who truly understand.
J-pouch & ostomy support for the IBD community
Whether you're considering surgery, adjusting to life with an ostomy, or living with a J-pouch, J-pouch and ostomy support groups connect you with others who have firsthand experience. Share questions, learn practical tips, and gain confidence from a community that understands life after surgery.
Women supporting women living with IBD
Connect with other women living with IBD in a supportive, welcoming community. Discuss topics such as relationships, parenting, pregnancy, body image, work, and everyday life while sharing experiences and learning from others who understand.
Where you can be yourself and feel understood
Connect with an inclusive community of LGBTQIA+ individuals living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Share experiences, discuss the unique challenges of living with IBD, and find understanding, encouragement, and support from people who truly relate.
Connection rooted in shared experience
Connect with Black & African American individuals living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Share your experiences, build meaningful connections, and receive support in a space where cultural perspectives and lived experiences are understood and valued.
A place to connect through culture and community
Join a welcoming community for Hispanic & Latino individuals living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and find support in your preferred language. Connect with others who share similar cultural experiences, exchange practical support, and find encouragement from people who understand your IBD journey.
Ayuda en Español: Encuentre apoyo en el idioma que se siente como hogar.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can affect both your physical and mental health. Because caring for your mental health is an important part of caring for your overall health, you don't have to face these challenges alone.
Whether you're adjusting to a new diagnosis, coping with a flare, or navigating the everyday ups and downs of life with IBD, you'll find tools and information to support your emotional well-being.
Explore trusted mental health resources, practical coping strategies, and expert guidance to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges of living with IBD.
Lori’s story
"For me, facilitating a support group is especially meaningful. My 46-year journey with Crohn's disease, several surgeries including a colectomy, and short bowel syndrome provides me with a unique perspective on the challenges many support group members face. I enjoy creating a welcoming, compassionate, and educational environment where people feel heard, supported, and empowered. The best part of leading my group is seeing members connect, share experiences, support one another, learn from each other, and realize they are not alone. It’s truly an honor to be a part of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s support group community."
Lori Plung
Living with Crohn’s disease & support group facilitator
IBD Help Center
Get personal answers from our knowledgeable Information Specialists. Leave us a message 24/7 and we'll call you back. Chat is available Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST.
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