Crohn's and Depression #crohns #colitis #crohnscolitis #ibd

Last week I was trolling the Internet highway, reading about Crohn's and what it can do. I came across a discourse between several people that had Crohn's. The initial writer had just had her marriage break up--the husband couldn't tolerate her condition. She needed advice on how to move on, some sympathy for her plight, and a much needed venting. We let her have it all.

This blog is not so much about her, but more about someone who commented on the writer's plight. This commenter said, and I'm paraphrasing here: Us Crohnies don't need people in our lives. We like to be alone.

Now it is possible that this person doesn't need people in his or her life. I get that. There are times when I like being alone, or when I feel really bad, sometimes it's good to just moan in peace without someone standing over you saying, "Are you all right? Are you all right?"

But it is just as likely that this commenter is suffering from depression. Look at the difference Crohn's makes in our lives:

1. Just as often as not, we cancel plans.

Yesterday, I had a luncheon date I was looking forward to. I had to call and cancel as I'm not feeling well. My friend knows I have Crohn's so she understood. In the past, I didn't tell people, so if I cancelled, they thought I was backing out at the last minute. If you are experiencing episodes like this all you have to do is vocalize your disease. If they are your friends they will understand. If they don't understand, you don't need them in your life.

2. Brain fog

Yep, we crohnies get brain fog and it has nothing to do with menopause. If your resident alien Crohn's is acting up, this ups the inflammation in your body. This can influence how you think and how much energy you have. Your lack of energy can affect your job performance, your outlook on life, even your self-esteem.  If you are in the middle of the flare from hell, let your co-workers (and your boss) know. Vocalize, vocalize, vocalize. It is amazing how understanding people are when you let them into your life.

3. I never know how I'm going to feel!

This is a toughie and it is so true. I NEVER know how I'm going to feel from one day to the next. I am at the last stop before major surgery. This flare has never been truly in control and the only way to get it that way is to remove some of the damaged pieces. Unfortunately, I have ulcers on both sides of my colon AND my small intestine is affected. When I say major surgery, I mean major.

So, how do you deal with it? First off, I tell everyone. Kids, husband, friends, even people I've just met. I was once talking with some 'fans' for lack of a better word and in the middle of our conversation, I had to say, "I have Crohn's disease and need to use the bathroom. If you can't stay, please know that I understand."

They stayed, asked me about Crohn's, and I took it as another way to educate people.

4. Bloated Belly

Now this really sucks. A pair of pants that fit you one day are too tight the next. Why? Ergh, you ate broccoli the night before. Yeah, you boiled the shit out of it, but still, it didn't agree with you. Now you get to walk around looking like you're 5 months pregnant until the inflammation goes down. Granted, you may not be Barbie Benton (I'm dating myself) but you've got enough problems without appearing pregnant in your fifties.

How do I cope? This one is hard for me. I pretty much go to a liquid diet until it goes away. I lower my stress if possible and get lots and lots of rest. This minor issue, again caused by inflammation, is one of my biggest challenges and causes me the most emotional harm. It isn't because I look funny, it's because I feel so yucky. Bloated Belly hurts and the pain wears on me. Emotionally and physically.

Let's face it, depression hurts, too. It can take away our smiles, our inherent joy in life. Things that were once fun, aren't anymore. We walk around in a haze, waiting and praying for it to go away.

Through my Crohn's journey, here are some things I've discovered:

1. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.

Low levels of a vitamin can result from eating a poor diet or not being able to absorb the vitamins you do consume. Older adults, vegetarians and people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease may have trouble getting enough B-12.

2. Get your thyroid checked! The thyroid gland produces and regulates hormones. These hormones can affect energy levels, mood, even weight. They can also be factors in depression. Read on to find out what causes thyroid-related depression and how it's treated.

3. Talk to your doctor. Trust me, you are not the first or the last crohnie to have done so.

That's my Crohn's blog for this week. I hope you've found a little understanding and some help. Take care everyone and have a wonderful weekend.

(((hugs)))

Louann

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