From the article: 10 Tips for the Holiday Season
While stress doesn't cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can cause symptoms to worsen. The holidays tend to be very stressful to many people. The shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, and partying can leave you feeling run-down rather than merry. To help keep your IBD from flaring, you need to find ways to minimize your stress during this time of year. How do you manage your stress level? Share your ideas for keeping sane during the holidays. Share Your Tips
A Mental Health Checkup
- Diagnosed with Crohn's/UC 3 years ago and tried countless treatments. From a GI perspective, I only ever responded to prednisone. In the past 3 months, begun seeing a psychiatrist, who has prescribed anti-anxiety medication (alprazolam immediate & extended release), and an anti-depressant with known constipatory side-effects (imipramine), both at the near-lowest dose. These medications are benign compared to immunomodulators and biologics, and I swear they have changed my life. Not constantly worrying has led to an incredible drop-off of my running-to-the bathroom (I used to be 20+ per day). This reduction in bowel movements is clearly giving my colon more time to heal and I have noticed a staying positive effect of these medications even when I choose not to take them. Less blood, less pain, less urges. I was very hesitant at first to admit that (at least a chunk of) this was in my head, but I would now strongly recommend adding a mental health professional to your doctor list.
- —phdstud
