Coping with IBD
If you or someone you know has IBD, it’s important to find ways to cope with the symptoms and side effects of the disease and medical treatments.
Did you know?
Research shows that 1 in 150 Canadians have IBD, making Canada one of the countries with the highest prevalence rates in the world.
The Peer Support Buddy Program at Mount Sinai Hospital is a psychosocial support group for patients living with IBD, and their families. The focus of the group is to provide an environment that promotes peer support and resource sharing to cope with the ups and downs of IBD.
- As a caregiver, the best thing you can do for your loved one is to just listen – without judgment or advice, unless this is asked for – and acknowledge how difficult it is to have IBD.
- It’s important to be informed as a patient and a caregiver and seek out information, but it’s also easy to overwhelm yourself with information, especially around the beginning of a diagnosis. Make sure you consider what you need and when you need it, especially when thinking about attending support groups or education sessions.
- It’s easy to become isolated with IBD, for both patients and caregivers. Try to support yourself as a caregiver with people who care for you and will support you.
- Anxiety and depression are common among patients with IBD, as well as caregivers.
- Find someone to talk about it if you are experiencing these symptoms, or encourage your loved one to talk about it too – normalize it with them and find common ground.
- Find activities that are nourishing for you, whether that is yoga, music, reading, painting, or hiking, or something else, and make time to do it – no exceptions.
Living with the unpredictability of IBD
Crohn's and Colitis Canada - Includes inspiring stories from fellow IBD patients, free webinars, events, and many options for support and education.
