Because body and mind are so closely interrelated, emotional stress can influence the course of Crohn's disease-or, for that matter, any other chronic illness. Although people occasionally experience emotional problems before a flare-up of their disease, this does not imply that emotional stress causes the illness. There is no evidence to show that stress, anxiety, or tension is responsible for Crohn's disease. No single personality type is more prone to develop Crohn's than others, and no one "brings on" the disease by poor emotional control.
It is much more likely that the emotional distress that patients sometimes feel is a reaction to the symptoms of the disease itself. It is not surprising that some patients find it difficult to cope with a chronic illness. Such illnesses seem to pose a threat to their their entire quality of life -- their physical and emotional well-being, social functioning, and sense of self-esteem. People with Crohn's disease should receive understanding and emotional support from their families and physicians. Although formal psychotherapy is generally not necessary, some patients are helped considerably by speaking with a therapist who is knowledgeable about IBD or about chronic illness in general. CCFA offers local support groups to help patients and their families cope with IBD.
Coping techniques for dealing with Crohn's disease may take many forms. Attacks of diarrhea, pain, or gas may make people fearful of being in public places. In such a situation, some practical advance planning may help alleviate this fear. For instance, find out where the restrooms are in restaurants, shopping areas, theaters, and on public transportation ahead of time. Some people find it helps to carry along extra underclothing or toilet paper for particularly long trips. When venturing further afoot, always consult with your physician. Travel plans should include a large enough supply of your medication, its generic name in case you run out or lose it, and the name of physicians in the area you may be visiting.
People with Crohn's disease accept the diagnosis with a wide range of emotions. Some people are angry for a time. Others feel a sense of relief at finally knowing what it is that has made them ill. While it certainly may help to come to terms with Crohn's in a straightforward manner, since this approach may maximize your ability to be part of your health care team right from the start, everyone is different. Each person with the disease must adjust to living with Crohn's in their each person …in his or her own way. There should be no guilt, no self-reproaches, or blame placed on others as you come to grips with your illness. There are resources and information available, such as local support groups and IBD education seminars. No one with Crohn's should ever feel alone. As you go about your daily life as normally as possible, try pursuing some of the same actvities that you did before your diagnosis. Some days, you may not feel up to it. Other days, you will want to give it all you've got. Only you can decide what's right for you. It will help to follow your physician's instructions and maintain a positive outlook, and to take an active role in your care. That's the basic (and best) prescription.
While Crohn's is a serious chronic disease with many complications, it is not considered a fatal illness. Most people with the illness may continue to lead useful and productive lives, even though they may be hospitalized from time to time, or need to take medications. In between flare-ups of the disease, many individuals feel well and may be relatively free of symptoms. But again, everyone is different, and it is up to you and your physician to find the treatment that works best for you.
It is much more likely that the emotional distress that patients sometimes feel is a reaction to the symptoms of the disease itself. It is not surprising that some patients find it difficult to cope with a chronic illness. Such illnesses seem to pose a threat to their their entire quality of life -- their physical and emotional well-being, social functioning, and sense of self-esteem. People with Crohn's disease should receive understanding and emotional support from their families and physicians. Although formal psychotherapy is generally not necessary, some patients are helped considerably by speaking with a therapist who is knowledgeable about IBD or about chronic illness in general. CCFA offers local support groups to help patients and their families cope with IBD.
Coping techniques for dealing with Crohn's disease may take many forms. Attacks of diarrhea, pain, or gas may make people fearful of being in public places. In such a situation, some practical advance planning may help alleviate this fear. For instance, find out where the restrooms are in restaurants, shopping areas, theaters, and on public transportation ahead of time. Some people find it helps to carry along extra underclothing or toilet paper for particularly long trips. When venturing further afoot, always consult with your physician. Travel plans should include a large enough supply of your medication, its generic name in case you run out or lose it, and the name of physicians in the area you may be visiting.
People with Crohn's disease accept the diagnosis with a wide range of emotions. Some people are angry for a time. Others feel a sense of relief at finally knowing what it is that has made them ill. While it certainly may help to come to terms with Crohn's in a straightforward manner, since this approach may maximize your ability to be part of your health care team right from the start, everyone is different. Each person with the disease must adjust to living with Crohn's in their each person …in his or her own way. There should be no guilt, no self-reproaches, or blame placed on others as you come to grips with your illness. There are resources and information available, such as local support groups and IBD education seminars. No one with Crohn's should ever feel alone. As you go about your daily life as normally as possible, try pursuing some of the same actvities that you did before your diagnosis. Some days, you may not feel up to it. Other days, you will want to give it all you've got. Only you can decide what's right for you. It will help to follow your physician's instructions and maintain a positive outlook, and to take an active role in your care. That's the basic (and best) prescription.
While Crohn's is a serious chronic disease with many complications, it is not considered a fatal illness. Most people with the illness may continue to lead useful and productive lives, even though they may be hospitalized from time to time, or need to take medications. In between flare-ups of the disease, many individuals feel well and may be relatively free of symptoms. But again, everyone is different, and it is up to you and your physician to find the treatment that works best for you.