Coping With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)
By Amber J. Tresca, About.com Guide to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Coping with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) can be a challenge. Learning to deal with the emotions and feelings associated with having a chronic disorder is an important part of treatment.
Caring for a Loved One With IBD
Being a primary caregiver for someone with IBD can be stressful. Overcoming the everyday challenges is important to the mental health of both the person being cared for and the caregiver.
- How Can I Help My Spouse After Surgery?
- How to Help Your Spouse During a Flare-up
- Telling Friends and Co-workers About Your Spouse's IBD
- What to Expect at the Hospital Before Surgery
Holidays With IBD
Holidays with IBD can be difficult and stressful. Learn to navigate holidays -- which often revolve around food -- and keep on track with proper diet and treatment.
- 15 Tips for the Holiday Season
- Before You Go Shopping
- Holiday Eating With IBD
- Plan a Romantic Valentine's Day
- Things to Do on New Year's Eve
Mental Health and Depression
IBD not only affects the gastrointestinal tract but can also be associated with depression and anxiety.
Relationships
Relationships are important in any person's life. With IBD, it can be difficult to sustain relationships, especially if loved ones can't -- or won't -- understand the challenges of living with IBD.
- Before You Start Dating
- How Can I Date When I Have IBD?
- How to Share a Bathroom
- How to Tell Your Friends About IBD
- Not Tonight, Honey -- I Have IBD
Support Groups
Support groups -- whether online or face-to-face -- can be an important tool in learning to cope with IBD.
Teens
Having IBD is hard enough. Being a teen with IBD brings an entirely new set of problems.
Tools to Help Manage Your IBD
Managing your IBD on a day-to-day basis can be overwhelming. Thankfully there are many tools and tricks you can use to help you manage your medications and track your symptoms.
- GI Monitor - iPhone Application
- Radiation Passport - iPhone Application
- Crohn's Toolkit - iPhone Application
Traveling
Travel can be a rewarding experience, but traveling with a chronic illness can be a challenge. Learn how to explore even when you have IBD .
