Crohn’s disease is a chronic health condition that can worsen when a person experiences stress.
This may be because stress causes inflammation.
Learning how to manage stress can help minimize Crohn’s disease flare-ups.
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
1.
Understand Your Needs and Triggers
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition.
Determining your specific needs and triggers can help reduce flare-ups and symptoms.
Set Boundaries and Plan Ahead
Stressis often discussed as a cause of Crohn’s disease.
Though this is not true, stress is a common trigger.
When someone has Crohn’s disease, they need to learn to set boundaries.
Use Medications and Supplements to Manage Symptoms
Many medications treat Crohn’s disease.
No treatment works for everyone.
Therefore, a healthcare provider may suggest taking supplements.
A 2023 study analysis looked at people with chronic diseases.
They found that patients had a difficult time with self-management.
The study suggested looking at a chronic disease as a job.
Researchers described how forming a job description can help patients understand the necessary work to manage their illness.
Think About Your Work or School Life
Crohn’s disease does not stop for work or school life.
For those who work, Crohn’s disease is classified as a disability.
They can qualify for reasonable accommodations under theAmerican Disability Act (ADA).
People who go to school and have Crohn’s disease can develop a504 planwith the school.
It outlines any necessary accommodations for students with disabilities to achieve their academic goals.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood by releasingendorphins(the feel-good hormone).
People with Crohn’s disease may find thatexerciseis a healthy coping mechanism to maintain their mental health.
If someone is experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare, they will likely feel very tired and fatigued.
During this time, resting and allowing the body to recover are best.
Maintain Consistent Self-Care
Crohn’s disease can makeself-caredifficult, let alone consistent self-care.
Self-care will not only help promote physical well-being but also mental well-being.
It could be exercising, maintaining asleep schedule, or eating healthy food.
Whatever it is, a consistent self-care program will become a habit and feel like an everyday activity.
Lean Into Meditation
Meditationis a way to help reduce stress and relax.
It may be especially beneficial in people with Crohn’s disease.
Below are ways to meditate to relieve stress:
9.
Try Stress Management Techniques
Along with meditation, stress management techniques can help.
Below are a few techniques that can ease stress in those with Crohn’s disease:
10.
Get Support
Crohn’s is a lifelong condition that will have its ups and downs.
TheCrohn’s & Colitis Foundationhas an online database to search for local support groups.
Sometimes, helping may just mean lending an ear.
Other times, it can mean helping with errands or cooking.
It can provide a new perspective on the disease’s progress.
This connection means that psychological stress can affect digestion and digestive health.
It also means that worsening digestive health can have a negative effect on mental health.
The other connection between stress and Crohn’s disease is how stress causes inflammation.
This can worsen symptoms.
Though stress cannot be completely eliminated, certain strategies can reduce it.
Always talk to a healthcare provider if Crohn’s disease symptoms change or worsen.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
2023 Feb;29(1):166-180. doi:10.1111/jep.13754
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Employee and employer resources.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.School accommodation plans & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Exercise.
Harvard Health Publishing.Six relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Cornell University.Stress management strategies.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Stress and IBD: breaking the vicious cycle.
