Brought to you by the AGA Institute
Ask Your Doctor About Ulcerative Colitis: Lifestyle
How can I cope with the physical and emotional symptoms that I am experiencing?
When you or someone you care for is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it may seem that your life has been turned upside down. You will probably feel many different emotions. There may be some relief to learn what is causing your symptoms, but you also may be upset, confused and anxious about how you will cope with this disease. Although you did nothing to cause this to happen, you may feel shame or embarrassment. Of course, everyone’s emotional response to illness is different. You may ask:
- How can I deal with physical symptoms such as urgency, diarrhea and gas when I am out in public?
- Will the symptoms make it hard for me to work and to travel?
- Can I continue usual activities such as sports and exercise?
- How will my family, friends and co-workers respond to me now? How do I tell them about this disease?
- Will this change my ability to have intimate relationships?
Because ulcerative colitis can have a significant effect on your daily life, it is understood that you may have emotional symptoms along with your physical ones. While emotional distress does not cause the disease, it can make it more difficult to cope with and may even cause an increase in flare-ups. Stress may have an effect on your digestive system that can lead to an increase in symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps and gas. Learning new coping skills takes time and requires help and support. You can begin by turning to your healthcare team for answers to your questions, information about treatment and ideas for increasing your support system.
