For Family & Friends

Support from friends and family is extremely important to those with IBD.  It is often hard to understand what someone what IBD is going through and can become frustrating. Here are some things think about if someone you know has IBD.

• Isolation might occur due to the difficulty of maintaining a social life. With going in and out of flare-ups it can be difficult to maintain friendships and feel comfortable going out without worrying if they will have a bathroom emergency.

• Traveling can be very difficult or impossible.  Being away from home or their doctor can be a worry especially during times of active disease.

• Low self esteem is common because of feeling unattractive.  With surgery scars, ostomy bags, and other symptoms, such as a “moon face” from prednisone, patients might not feel wanted or attractive becoming uncomfortable with intimate relationships or friendships.

• Do not be surprised if your friend or family member experiences changes in appearance. Different medications may cause weight gain, acne, rounding of the face (also called "moon face"), facial hair, or hair loss.

• Changes of mood can occur because of medications causing irritability, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings.

• Living with someone who has IBD can sometimes be a challenge. IBD can take a lot out of someone so often times they are just too tired to do anything when they are at home. It is important that you are still honest and open with them, but just remember sometimes it can just be too much for them on certain days.

• With someone who has IBD it is crucial you stay respectful, caring, and supportive. In the end all they really want is to be loved, accepted, and know that the disease doesn’t change them or make you feel differently about them. For them to be able to talk to you and trust you with things going on is equally important because bottling up feelings can only cause more harm.