From the article: Is IBD Associated With Depression?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is difficult physically, but it can also take a toll on your mental health. The symptoms of diarrhea, gas, and exhaustion can leave you isolated and feeling as though you are out of place. Family, friends, and coworkers are sympathetic, but it's not the same as true understanding. Has your IBD affected how you are able to socialize in professional and social situations? Do you struggle with feelings of loneliness? How do you cope with this aspect of IBD? Share Your Experiences
If You Don't Have IBD, You Don't Get It!
- I am open with family and friends but I find that few have any idea of the pain, frustration and sometimes the fear that I deal with on an ongoing basis. I haven't been able to work for 18 months and people keep asking me about when I'll return to work. People are drifting away...maybe it's too hard to cope with someone who is sick more often than not. I sought therapy for support when I was facing the possibility of surgery and will continue as it is the only place I have to express myself freely, without fear of overwhelming or alienating. I also exercise as regularly as I can, both walking and yoga, and I pray and meditate daily. Still, I feel isolated and lonely. Cats are good company but lousy conversationalists! I miss my previous life and wonder if I will ever have anything resembling it again. I may not be alone in dealing with IBD but I am home alone and lonely. Thank goodness for my iPad!
- —Guest Jonah
On The Fringe of Fitting In
- I was misdiagnosed & properly diagnosed as a teenager. Pain started for me in infancy. I was miserable all through my schooling, except grad school. My high school years were horrible, though I was quite popular & participated in myriad extra-curricular activities, including gymnastics, National Honor Society & Future Teachers of America. In college, I got so sick with the UC that I was flown home to the intensive care unit of the hospital for 2 weeks & had to take a leave of absence from school for 2 years. My doctors neither had hope for me living long nor living well. I became very depressed. I had no friends at home as they were all away at college. Fortunately, I had a great mother who fed me at least 3 heavy meals a day & got some meat on my bones. Soap Operas became my friends -- Marlena & Samantha were the 1st characters I saw. I believe ulcerative colitis affected my grades, friendships, & romantic relationships, isolating me. I loved being a teacher; Now I love being an artist.
- —jewelrystore
