I just sent you a long hug haha, but try to focus on everything good in your life. I know being in pain, feeling crappy (no pun intended), and being medicated with no hope in sight is hard...but you CAN overcome this. If nothing else, know that you can come here and you have a whole group of people who understand what you are going through :)

Im not coping well at this time.

I am in the same Boat Dear!!! I was diagnosed with UC in January and recently had a bad Flare-up. I have been seeing a Therapist and my Husband is Great, but I keep saying that this is not Fair!!! When I get down I try my hardest to be Thankful for what I have. Try not to stress too much, because the UC loves that!!!! Good Luck and I hope you have a good Christmas.

I started a really bad and painful flair last week. The pain hasn't stop yet. When I had my lst bad flair it also started in Dec. Then in Jan. and Feb. I was in and out of the hospital. I was wondering if u may think it is due to the extra stress of Xmas? Could it b seasonal in some of us? I just keep putting all of these demands on myself. The only problem is right now I am in too much pain to do any of them.

This board really helps me. I have moments when I feel really depressed, especially when I've been feeling better and then I back slide. I'm on Prozac, and that helps, and I try to act like everything's normal. I feel like if I look strong and act strong, I feel stronger, but that can only go so far. There are times when I just need to go to bed!

I've been having a horrible time of it myself. I was taking a hot yoga class that helped a lot. It really made me stay focused and leave my Crohn's at the door. I broke my toe recently so yoga is on hold. I started with a new therapist today; I really think I'm going to like her. I too try to "fake it until I make it" but like ChrissyMatt1 said, sometimes it doesn't always work that way. Keep focusing on what's good in your life; smile.
Good luck to you!

Do you guys think the time of year is adding to the feeling of being kind of down? I had been feeling pretty good the last few weeks and then the last couple of days, pain again. It really is like one step forward,two steps back. I notice that I have no energy for the upcoming holidays. I just don't feel like doing much of anything and I wonder if it's related to the stress of the holidays combined with not feeling great again. Usually, I can stay pretty philosophical about the UC, but right now, I'm feeling so down about it. I tried crying last night to just get some stuff out, you know, and I couldn't even manage any real tears, which is unusual for me because don't normally have a problem accessing my emotions. I just felt like I was beyond tears. That made me feel even worse.

What usually keeps me up about things is going for long walks outside, just to get out of my house and out of my head and enjoy nature. But it has been so cold and snowy here that I haven't been able to do that.

Anyway, sorry to make this about me! This topic hit a nerve for me tonight.

Stay strong guys!

I have suffered from UC and other chronic disease since the age of 21. I'm now 53.
I would suggest a few things that will help you cope.
I would suggest some counseling.
I would suggest finding a loving forgiving understanding God that you can trust in and turn your will over to.
I would suggest that you get involved doing something that helps others so you don't have time to think so much about your problems.

I've had anxiety and depression for years - long before the Crohn's symptoms started (many doctors believe they are all related... hm...). I was diagnosed last year, and have felt really down for about a year. The best way out for me, apart from the medication, is distraction. I've got some mindless hobbies (sorting Hungarian stamps. Yes, I know.) and some not-so mindless - playing piano, painting. Even a good movie will help me get myself out of my own head.

And, I see a good counsellor. I think that's a really key thing to do. We don't have to battle this on our own. And, my psychiatrist says that *sooo* many of her patients have Crohns, so she knows what I'm going through and treats it with respect.
*hugs* Hoping you're not doing too bad today. x

Ah I totally know the feeling! Living day-to-day with IBD can be such a struggle at times. right now I am not copeing all that well. It's winter time and, well, I get sick SO much during this season!
If you are feeling depressed - talk to a doctor. They can give you ways to better cope every day; maybe even medicine. I got severely depressed last year and zoloft literaly gave me my life back. =)
You just have to take things one day at a time. You can't look at the days to come and wonder what tomorrow will bring. Get through every hour. Once to get through your day reflect on it and ask yourself what you should do better, and reward and praise yourself of getting through the day. It all comes with baby steps, really. You're going to take several foward and a few back.
You have to remember things will get better.

-hugs to you- I hope things get better quickly for you and best of luck with your UC.

-Nikk-

I know how you feel. I'll be 24 in February and have had moderate to severe depression since I was 12. I was only diagnosed with Crohn's/UC a couple weeks ago after a 3 year (and going) mild/moderate flare.

I took up knitting. Everyone in my family for Christmas is getting a scarf. It has reduced the stress of shopping, cut down expenses, and gives me something to focus on. Also, it doesn't take time away from my husband. I went to knitpicks.com online and bought some really pretty knitting needles as a treat for myself.

Good luck, I hope you find a good hobby for yourself soon!

I have come to the realization that being diagnosed with a disease is kinda like grieving a death of a loved one. You go into shock, denial, hate, depression, anger, etc. When you get through all the chapters you come to realize it isn't going away and you can't let it control your life. One thing that I had to do was go on anti depressant medication. I am not a self sorry kinda person and I know this caused me to really be why me - what deal did I make with God to get this! You have to come to reality that you have it and now how am I going to continue my life with it. It does suck and it sucks to be sick but try to look at all the positive things in life that will help you get through the tuff times. Big Hug and we are always here.

I am horrible with words, so I apologize if this is a little mixed up.

However, I can honestly say I feel about the same as you. Being 25, with Crohns doesnt bode well for a happy social lifewell, life in general. I think that the Holidays just add to the stress and pain that people with UC/Crohns feel. My family and friends are gearing up for parties and BIG dinnerswhich I do my best to tactfully avoid. Most of the time I just want to tell them Hey thanks for kicking me while Im down.

But, life isnt meant to be perfect, and I try to keep that in mind. I know that a trip to the woods/park, helps me find a calm state of mind. I really shouldnt say this (honesty is the best policythanks Mom), I do smoke something that isnt tobacco on the super rough days. And, I am thankful that I was given the ability to draw, because that above all else gives me something positive to focus on.

I guess it is just finding something that makes you forget about the illness. Whether it be a good friend, a pet, a hobby, exercise, meditation, art, movies, you name it. Anything that makes you smile.

I know it is hard to keep up that smile, but I hope you find a way to do so. I wish you all the best.

Be up front with your doctor.
Give yourself a break.
Let people know you dont feel good; ask for help when you need it.
Eliminate as much stress as possible.
Be prepared for "accidents" carry spare clothes, always know where the bathroom is, modify food intake to your outings.
Gracefully decline an invitation, say no if you dont feel up to something.
If you need to cancel a commitment at the last minute because of symptoms or a flare, be diplomatic and do it guilt free.
Count your blessings.
Be consistent with your medications....if they are not working call the doctor.
Breathe.

I have had bad painful flares that have lasted 8months or more so I definitely know what your going through. Luckily none of them landed me in the hospital, but it has left me scared to death to be active. I am on Humira and this past 8month have been the longest I have gone without a bad flare since 2004. The anxiety that it will all be taken away again just frightens me to immobility. My husband is great too but I am relieved that I don't have to rely as much on him for emotional support because that was leaving me feeling guilty. That is why I think a therapist is a very good coping option. Also, someone mentioned doing stuff for others so you don't have to worry about yourself. That is a very good idea if you are well enough, but if not I have used the internet to just talk to people on im. That way they didn't have to see my pain and I didn't have to talk about it. I felt guilty about posting on boards because I felt like I didn't have any room to complain and how many others had it worse, but I think that it is helpful to be able to just say..hey I don't feel well today either. As you can probably tell I am new to posting so I am rambling.. :D