Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) types. It can be challenging to live with these conditions, especially when they have flare-ups.
A support group can help people find the strength to cope with their condition and get through challenging times. This article discusses three reasons for joining a Crohn’s disease support group.
You Get to Share Your Experiences
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) forms, can be physically debilitating. But they can also take a toll on your mental health. The condition can leave you feeling discouraged, anxious, and down.
Symptoms of IBD can be controlled by reducing inflammation, taking medications, and eating well. But there is no cure, and even if you’re in remission, almost everyone experiences a flare-up again at some point.
To help you cope with these challenges, a Crohn’s disease support group can be a great resource. You can learn from others, get advice from medical professionals, and share your experiences with the disease. Some groups offer online meetings for people who live far away from a local meeting place. To find a Crohn’s support group near you, ask at your gastroenterologist’s office. Alternatively, visit the website of Crohn’s and Colitis.
You Get to Learn from Others
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis significantly impact your physical and emotional lifestyle. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, and fatigue. They can also interfere with normal daily activities and lead to stress and depression.
If you’re living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can help you learn from other people living with it. A support group can provide a safe space to discuss your concerns and share advice about coping.
For example, you can learn how to manage your symptoms by keeping a food diary and tracking what triggers Crohn’s symptoms. This can help you avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.
The IBD support group at UPMC offers support groups for people of all ages. They also run an online support group for parents, spouses, partners, and family members of children with IBD. The groups are led by a gastroenterologist and run monthly. You can learn more about the groups on the UPMC website.
You Get to Talk About Your Problems
People in a Crohn’s support group can give you tips and advice on coping with the condition. But they can also provide emotional support. This is especially important for children with Crohn’s. Their symptoms can make them feel like nobody understands them. They may have unexplained fevers, diarrhea with blood, or they might be losing weight or not growing as fast as their peers because of the disease.
If you have not found it, a good Crohn’s support group can help you find the strength to discuss your problems. You can do this in person or online. You can also ask your gastroenterologist if they know of any local groups or call your local hospital to see if they host a Crohn’s support group.
One of the best things about a Crohn’s support group is that you can unload your negative emotions. But you should set a healthy limit for yourself. Decide how long you want to vent, then promise yourself that any discussion beyond that has to be productive. Otherwise, you’ll waste valuable energy and time on something that doesn’t need to be addressed.
You Get to Meet New People
A Crohn’s support group may be a good option if you’re looking to meet people facing similar issues. Many of these groups include members with the same diagnosis, family members, and caregivers.
While some people with inflammatory bowel disease find comfort in knowing their symptoms aren’t unique, others feel isolated. Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation provides several online and in-person support groups for patients, families, and caregivers. These groups offer social and emotional support, education, and resources. They also help with medical costs by providing drug discount cards, nonprofit options, and more.
Some support groups focus on specific disease aspects, such as fistulas and abdominal pain.
You Get to Get Out of the House
Crohn’s disease can make it challenging to maintain regular contact with friends. Whether you must be selective about who you spend time with or need to explain your symptoms to potential dates, it can take a lot of energy to get out of the house.
While Crohn’s may cause people to isolate themselves, they can also use resources and strategies to keep a healthy lifestyle and build strong relationships. For example, it is essential to find ways to manage your diet and be able to eat at home or on the go. You can avoid foods that trigger your symptoms by reading labels and bringing healthy snacks to work or school. It is also a good idea to plan for any upcoming events or trips so that you can know where to find bathrooms and can avoid eating foods that are likely to provoke flare-ups.
Additionally, reducing stress levels is another way to improve their quality of life and reduce the frequency of IBD flare-ups. This can be done by getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding NSAIDs, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation (such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi). Regular exercise is also recommended to help regulate your mood and metabolize fat.
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