There is no evidence that stress causes ulcerative colitis (UC). But if you have UC, you probably already know that it can make your symptoms worse or cause a flare-up. Here’s what we found.
Stress and ulcerative colitis
Experts have not found an exact link. But they have theories about the connection between the two.
Inflammation. Your body goes into fight or flight mode when stressed. This triggers the release of many chemicals, including cytokines. These are molecules that activate your immune system and cause inflammation. People with UC may be more sensitive to this process.
Brain-gut axis. Stress alters the signals that travel between your brain and your gut. It can cause all sorts of digestive issues, even in people who don’t have UC. These changes are also linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies and heartburn.
Other reasons. Research shows that stress could:
- Damage the lining of your gut
- Disrupt gut bacteria
- Change the speed or slowness of your digestive muscles
- Make your gut more sensitive to pain
Ways to reduce stress
You cannot completely get rid of stress. But you can learn to manage it. And studies show that you can improve your quality of life when you take care of your mental health.
Ask your doctor for further help if you don’t know where to start. They can connect you with a health counselor or psychologist who works with people with IBD.
They might suggest:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- mindfulness meditation
- acceptance therapy
- Deep breathing
- Hypnotherapy
- Biofeedback
- Yoga
- tai chi
- Guided Imagery
You can also take a little time each day to do something that you find relaxing. It could be gardening, reading or listening to music. Anything you like.
Drug therapy is another option. Studies show that antidepressants may relieve pain in people with IBD. Common choices include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Ask your doctor if they are right for you.
Acquire help
Unified communications can make everyday things a little more difficult. For example, you may worry about going out to eat or finding a bathroom when you’re not home.
You might also be embarrassed to bring up your symptoms. But it’s important to talk about what’s bothering you. Connecting with people in the IBD community who understand what you are going through can help.
Ask your doctor or social worker if there are IBD support groups in your area. You can also seek individual or group support in person or online.
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