Managing Stress With Ulcerative Colitis

Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is not easy. You will have good days and bad days. Although it may not be easy, it is important to try to control your stress whenever possible and maintain a positive outlook.

It is important to remember that you did not do anything to cause your illness. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by anything you ate or your personality. Some people report that stressful events precede a flare-up. This is probably because stress affects your body in many ways — most importantly, it decreases your resistance to inflammation. People with ulcerative colitis also report that they experience stress or anxiety as a result of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

There are many ways to manage stress — some people meditate, others like physical activity, and still others like to talk about their feelings. Find the way that works best for you.

Seek Support For Ulcerative Colitis

Speaking to a therapist who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other chronic illnesses helps some people, while finding a support group for IBD patients helps others. Both allow you to discuss your feelings with someone who understands what you are going through.

For additional support, visit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

Get Educated

Sometimes a chronic illness can make you feel like your life is out of your control. One way to regain control is to learn everything you can about ulcerative colitis. By educating yourself, you will better understand what is going on in your body and be able to take an active role in your treatment.

Let It Out

You don’t have to be happy all the time. Sometimes it’s OK to feel sad or frustrated. So allow yourself a “bad” day once in a while. Then put those feelings aside and remember that even though ulcerative colitis is often unpredictable, people still live active, successful lives.