You might feel anxious or depressed. IBD patients may have more stress than others. This is common because they have to deal with problems related to their IBD.
Talking with your parents, friends, and other people with IBD can be helpful. If you need more help, talk to your doctor or another professional, like a teacher or guidance counselor, about how you feel. They can help you to cope with your feelings and those of the people around you. They’ve learned what works by talking to many people.
Video Length
00:02:34
How to Find a Mental Health Professional for IBD | Therapy Tips for Crohn’s & Colitis Patients
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis—can take a toll not just on your body, but also on your mental health. In this video, we take a practical look at how to find a mental health professional who truly understands the challenges of chronic illness and IBD.
You’ll learn:
✅ What types of licensed mental health professionals are available (psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists)
✅ How to find a therapist experienced in chronic illness and IBD support
✅ Tips for choosing between in-person and telehealth therapy
✅ How to navigate insurance, directories, and provider recommendations
✅ Why it’s okay to “shop around” to find the right fit
Remember — seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re in crisis. It’s about finding a safe space to breathe, reflect, and build coping skills that support your overall well-being.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation offers trusted tools and directories to help you connect with qualified professionals who understand life with IBD.
✨ You don’t have to do this alone — help is out there, and you deserve support.
Stress is part of everyone’s life. You can’t avoid it. You need to manage it because it can make symptoms worse and even cause more stress. Of course, avoiding all stress is impossible.
Video Length
00:03:13
Crohn's, colitis & Mental Health: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection | Dr. Laurie Keefer
Living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis? Your gut and brain are more connected than you think. In this powerful video, Laurie Keefer, PhD — GastroPsychologist and Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s IBD Center — explains how stress, anxiety, and mental health directly impact IBD symptoms through the gut-brain axis.
Learn:
✔️ What the gut-brain connection means for people with IBD
✔️ How emotional stress can trigger flares and worsen symptoms
✔️ Why managing mental health is key to physical well-being
✔️ The concept of a "gut responder" and what it means
✔️ Practical steps to feel better — both physically and emotionally
💬 Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with IBD for years, understanding this connection can empower you to take care of your whole self — body and mind.
📌 Subscribe for more expert insights on IBD, mental health, and patient support.
Stress reduction techniques can help you to stay calm, stay focused, and break this anxiety cycle. There are many stress management methods, and no one method has been proven to be more effective than another. Try an approach that you like. If one doesn’t work, try another. Here are some techniques to try for managing stress:
- Relaxation and breathing exercises
- Meditation (a state of being silent and calming of the mind)
- Reading books, listening to recordings and music
- Practicing yoga or tai chi (low-impact and slow-moving exercise designed to promote relaxation, balance, and health)
Video Length
00:03:25
7 Real Strategies to Protect Your Mental Health While Living With Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — whether it’s Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis — can take a toll not just on your body, but on your mental health too. In this video, we’ll explore 7 practical, evidence-based strategies to help you protect and improve your mental well-being while managing life with IBD.
🌿 You’ll learn how to:
1️⃣ Practice mindfulness and breathwork to calm your nervous system.
2️⃣ Use journaling to process emotions and track triggers.
3️⃣ Explore creative expression as an emotional release.
4️⃣ Incorporate gentle movement like yoga and walking to ease stress.
5️⃣ Build meaningful connections through IBD support groups and communities.
6️⃣ Set healthy boundaries and practice self-compassion.
7️⃣ Create a personalized mental health plan for flare-ups and tough days.
💬 Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with IBD for years, these coping tools can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and empowered.
You are not alone — your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. ❤️
