Mental and Emotional Well-Being
IBD can affect almost every part of your loved one’s life, from school and work, to sports and hobbies. This may sound like a lot, but there are many things you can do as a family to make their day-to-day easier to navigate.
Here are some key things to remember:
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Many people with IBD need to take medication for the rest of their lives, but they can still live fulfilling lives and accomplish their goals.
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IBD is unpredictable, and their symptoms can change from mild to severe.
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They will have periods of feeling well, and they will have times when they have flares with active symptoms.
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Their healthcare team (gastroenterologist, dietitian, psychologist, social worker, etc.) will be available to guide you through these ups and downs.
IBD and Mental Health
Your loved one will likely have a lot of feelings and emotions regarding not just their diagnosis and the impact on their life, but the medications, doctor appointments, and even surgeries it takes to manage their illness. It’s not uncommon for children to feel private or even embarrassed about their illness. Remind them that their mental health and emotional well-being are just as important as their physical health. Tell them to talk to you, their doctor, or another trusted adult if they are feeling anxious, sad, or depressed. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Keep the conversation about IBD going. Be available to listen to their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. Remember that patients with IBD often experience a rollercoaster of emotions.
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Remember to check in with them about their friendships, schoolwork, sports, and hobbies.
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Give them the space they may need. That could mean letting them talk to their doctor alone from time to time.
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Enlist the help of mental health professionals if you feel they would benefit from therapy, medication, or other ways of coping emotionally with IBD.
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Remind them (and yourself!) that they are more than their IBD. Help them accept their illness, so they can continue to do what they enjoy.
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Encourage them to continue the activities they enjoyed before IBD and try something new! They can modify their activities if they have to so they can participate fully.
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Encourage them to form friendships with people who understand and support them.
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Talk to them about the importance of a regular exercise routine, with their doctor’s approval. Exercise can improve their overall health, reduce stress, and help to maintain and improve bone strength.
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Talk to them about seeing a mental health specialist to discuss their day-to-day life, and becoming more accepting of living with a chronic illness.
Positive Body Image with IBD
How your loved one feels about their physical appearance and how their body functions can have both a positive and negative impact on their self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.
Body image is something many people struggle with, but living with a chronic illness can amplify negative feelings about your body. IBD can have an overwhelming impact on how you look and how you feel, both emotionally and physically, as you deal with medication side effects, disease symptoms, nutrition changes, and surgery.
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