Living with Crohn’s disease is more than managing flare-ups and symptoms. Sometimes overlooked, Crohn’s can have significant emotional and psychological impacts.
Managing Crohn’s and mental health is a deeply personal experience—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we’ve gathered real, first-hand stories from Crohn’s advocates in our Follow Your Gut series. Their insights offer different strategies that have helped them navigate this journey. We hope their voices provide you with new perspectives and perhaps a sense of comfort, knowing that you’re not facing this alone.
Find Your People
One of the consistent themes across many of the personal stories shared is the importance of social support. Having a strong network of friends, family, or a support group can help reduce feelings of isolation. For instance, in her article, Finding Strength in Being Vulnerable – How Opening Up About Crohn’s Changed My Life, Lauren Golightly shares how she felt liberated after talking about her condition and found an incredible support system that helped her cope.
I want people with Crohn’s to know they are not alone and that I stand with you, that it’s okay to talk about poop and you deserve to project your inner strength that it takes to live with this condition out into the world for others to see.
Self-Love And Being Patient With Yourself
Many Crohn’s advocates shared how self-love and finding ways to maintain a positive outlook have been fundamental to helping them focus on the present moment, reduce anxiety, and provide a much-needed sense of control over their emotional well-being.
In her article “Crohn’s Is Part of Me, But I Wear My Diagnosis Proudly,” author Evena Adams shares how reframing her perspective helped her to accept her diagnosis while managing the emotional toll it imposed.
Having a lifelong diagnosis enter my adult life shook me to my core, but I also felt like it was needed in a sense.
Crohn’s has helped me to pay more attention to what I place into my body, to be grateful and see that each day is a blessing even with Crohn’s, and it has really taught me discipline.
Life comes and sometimes it comes at us hard, however, you just must take it as it comes and adjust.
Similarly, Crohn’s advocate Tasha Stewart described the importance of self-compassion and patient with yourself:
One of the first steps in feeling gorgeous during a Crohn’s flare-up is cultivating a strong sense of self-love. Your body is fighting battles daily, and it deserves kindness and compassion. Take a moment to appreciate the incredible resilience within you. Whether it’s through positive affirmations, mindfulness, or self-care rituals, let your inner glow shine through.
Finding Your Passion
Several other authors have expressed the benefits of establishing creative outlets to help maintain their mental health. In her piece, How Fashion Freed Me While Navigating My Crohn’s Diagnosis, author Taylor Sinnott describes how embracing her love of fashion improved her state of mind.
My journey with Crohn’s disease has taught me that self-expression through fashion is a powerful tool for empowerment and healing. Crohn’s can be debilitating but can also be a catalyst for discovering inner strength and forging meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
Building Resilience
Living with Crohn’s requires resilience—both physically and mentally. Those who actively work to manage their mental health can find themselves better equipped to handle the ups and downs of the disease. Building resilience involves acknowledging the challenges while focusing on strengths, celebrating small victories, and cultivating a positive mindset.
Natalie Hayden, in her article “You Are So Much More Than Your Condition—On Not Letting Crohn’s Define You,” emphasizes the importance of shifting the narrative around chronic illness. She encourages individuals to focus on their identity beyond the disease, empowering them to live a fulfilling life despite their diagnosis.
Your plans may be halted for the time being and there may be detours, but you can still reach your destination…No setback will happen without a greater comeback.
Focus on the times when you feel in control. You are always in the driver’s seat. Sometimes steering in unchartered territories is scary and that’s ok. You’ll always find your way.
Living with Crohn’s disease is a deeply personal journey, one that touches every part of your life beyond just the physical challenges. But know this—you are not alone. The stories shared here are proof that there are others who understand, who walk this path alongside you. Take what resonates with your heart, whether it’s a strategy, a small piece of advice, or simply the comfort of knowing someone gets it. And no matter what, keep moving forward, one step at a time. You’ve got this.
