Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be very difficult.
Painful and debilitating symptoms, uncertainty about the future course of your disease, social isolation and learning to navigate the medical system can contribute to overall stress.
Stress itself can worsen IBD symptoms in some patients. It is important to find coping strategies that work for you and your loved ones while you learn to live with your disease.
Stress management
Everyone has different triggers that cause them to feel stressed. If you recognize you are feeling stressed, you can try:
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Making time for enjoyable hobbies
- A nutritious diet
- Talking to others about your stress
- Taking on fewer responsibilities
If you have concerns about your mental well-being, please speak with your family physician or your gastroenterologist.
Peer support
We offer two support groups for IBD patients and their caregivers at Mount Sinai Hospital. The groups are led by a Mount Sinai Hospital IBD research nurse and a social worker.
Both support groups are open to anyone living with IBD. Email our coordinator if you are interested in registering for an upcoming session.
Evening education speaker group
Our hybrid evening group meets in person and on Zoom every other month. It features a guest speaker and peer sharing.
Upcoming dates: November 25, January 27, March 31 and May 26.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location:
18th floor auditorium of Mount Sinai Hospital
600 University Avenue
Next session
Monday, November 25, 2024.
IBD and Spirituality: Making Meaning in Hard Times
Brian Walsh, Spiritual Care Provider and Educator Sinai Health
Daytime support group
Our daytime group meets in person once a month at Mount Sinai with a primary focus of providing peer support for those struggling with IBD. Family members, friends and caregivers are all welcome as well.
Location:
600 University Avenue
Mount Sinai auditorium
18th floor
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
(2:30 to 4 p.m. on November 27 and December 18)
Upcoming dates: October 23, November 27, December 18, January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25
Tips for caregivers
Caring for someone with IBD can be overwhelming, especially at first. Here are some tips for how to cope.
- Listen without offering judgment or advice.
- Acknowledge how difficult it is to have IBD.
- Do not overwhelm yourself with information near the beginning of a diagnosis. Consider what information you need and when you need it.
- Find someone to talk to if you are feeling isolated, anxious or depressed.
- Make time for fulfilling activities such as yoga, reading, music, painting or hiking.
Resources
Crohn's and Colitis Canada has a wealth of educational information, inspiring stories and ways to find support.
Ostomy Toronto provides education, stories and peer connection for its members.
