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IBD Is A Serious Autoimmune Disease That Affects The Whole Body – And The Mind
This article is SponsoredThis story was created by Content Works, Postmedia's commercial content division, on behalf of a client.
by Takeda Canada Inc.Breadcrumb Trail Links
But the challenges this chronic condition poses to individuals' mental health often go unaddressed
Author of the article:
Wendy Haaf • Postmedia Content WorksPublished Nov 29, 2024 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 5 minute read
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"There's a misconception that IBD is just a bathroom disease," says Chantel Wicks, who lives with the condition. SUPPLIED While the disease Chantel Wicks has lived with for 18 years has sometimes tested the limits of her physical endurance, she says the mental and emotional challenges it's presented have been much greater.
Wicks, 37, who now lives in Pickering, Ont., was a 20-year-old university student juggling a full course load and four part-time jobs when a rapid decline in her health — including experiencing extreme pain and severe blood loss — hit a crisis point and finally drove her to the emergency department.
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For a couple of months prior to going to the hospital, Wicks had experienced worsening symptoms that she felt too embarrassed and scared to have investigated or even talk about. She was frequently gripped with excruciating pain, but it was the blood loss that alarmed her most.
"When I went to the bathroom, there was a lot of blood," Wicks recalls. She'd delayed seeking care because, "what was happening to my body was terrifying and unknown," Wicks says. Plus, "there's a stigma. We don't talk about what happens with our bowels."
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Soon after that ER visit, Wicks was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). "I had no idea what it was," Wicks says.
Ultimately, she would learn that IBD is an umbrella term covering multiple diseases — the two major conditions being Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Wicks believes that many people are as much in the dark about IBD today as she was back then, despite the fact the disease currently affects an estimated 322,600 Canadians with that total projected to grow to 470,000 by 2035.
"There's a misconception that IBD is just a bathroom disease," says Wicks. While diarrhea and abdominal pain are certainly among its symptoms, that's a fraction of the story. Not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — which shares some of the same symptoms as IBD but does not cause permanent harm to the intestines — IBD is a chronic autoimmune disease in the same category as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and currently it has no cure.
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In the digestive tract, IBD can cause problems ranging from mouth ulcers to frequent vomiting, malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption and anemia from internal bleeding.
But IBD can have effects elsewhere in the body, as well. For example, it can bring bone-deep fatigue, which is often difficult to combat, even with extensive rest. As a result of this chronic fatigue, plus pain, Wicks says she and her husband live in a bungalow, because "four to five days out of seven, stairs would be impossible for me."
While managing the burden of this disease, which includes staying on top of appointments and treatments, those with IBD live with never-ending uncertainty. Wicks says every minor pain brings constant worry of a new escalation in symptoms. Further, sudden, unpredictable symptom flares can derail planned activities.
The symptoms of IBD can come on suddenly, "I've had to miss important life events involving my family and friends because at the last minute, I've been too unwell to attend," says Wicks. "That weighs heavy."
For Wicks, finding treatments that work has also been an ongoing struggle. "I've been on far too many medications to count," she says. "For me, they work for a period of time, and then they stop, which means I need a new treatment plan."
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Such stressors undoubtedly contribute to the fact mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are 1.5 to two times as prevalent among people with IBD compared to the general population.
Additionally, according to a new survey, 300,000 Reasons Why, that revealed insights into how IBD affects daily life for Canadians, 63 per cent of Canadians living with IBD report they have experienced mental health issues due to the disease. Eighty-four per cent agree there is not enough understanding of the impact of IBD on one's mental health.
But the relationship between IBD and psychological distress is more complex than it might seem, says Dr. Yvette Leung, a Vancouver gastroenterologist who specializes in IBD. "It's not as simple as making the connection that your disease is flaring, so you're not feeling happy," she explains.
Some studies suggest that stress increases the odds of symptom exacerbations, and research has also revealed a two-way relationship between gut and brain health.
"If you're lucky, you can pay for therapy, or you have insurance that covers a set number of sessions," says Dr. Leung, "but the majority of patients do not have any access."
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Dr. Yvette Leung is a Vancouver gastroenterologist who specializes in IBD. SUPPLIED At least half of the patients Dr. Leung would refer for such a consult report having no family doctor. The shortage of family physicians stands in the way of timely referrals to specialists for diagnosis and treatment, too. Recent studies show patients can wait up to six months from symptoms onset to receive an IBD diagnosis.
"It's a problem that's not unique to IBD, but it impacts IBD very much," Dr. Leung says. "At every part of the journey, there's a barrier, and it starts with primary care."
Wicks was fortunate to get diagnosed relatively quickly compared to many others with IBD. "Many people seek medical attention and are dismissed or misdiagnosed with other acute conditions," says Wicks. "It can take months (or longer) before they are properly diagnosed."
While she continues to experience flares, she hasn't let that stop her from living a full and busy life. On top of working full-time, she volunteers with Crohn's and Colitis Canada and enjoys activities like camping with her husband and dog.
Learning about her own disease so she could make informed decisions in partnership with her health-care team has helped her mental health. Regular visits with a mental health professional with a background in treating individuals with IBD also play a crucial role in Wicks' self-care regimen.
"This is not something anyone should ever do alone," she says. "But absolutely, number one for me was just getting better about talking about IBD. I couldn't expect my colleagues, family, friends or health care team to understand what I was going through without me telling them."
To learn more about the challenges people living with IBD experience, click here.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia's commercial content division, on behalf of Takeda Canada Inc.
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Couple's Relationship Strains As Man Loses Patience With GF's Never-Ending Challenges
Struggling with your mental health, constantly feeling stressed, and being in chronic pain is a very difficult situation to be in. Something that can add to the anxiety is feeling as though you're 'inconveniencing' your loved ones. Things that can help you in the fight against these issues are serious lifestyle changes, regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper sleep, seeing medical professionals, going to therapy, spending time in nature, meditation, and fostering authentic relationships.
However, if you don't commit to making these positive changes, there are bound to be moments when even the most supportive and patient people around you can snap. Empathy burnout is a real thing. An anonymous person, who has been struggling with serious issues for years, turned to the Mumsnet online community for advice after her boyfriend called her out for "dragging him down" all the time and being chronically unhappy. She felt like she had to instantly overhaul her life. Scroll down for the full story and the tips the internet gave the author.
It can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with multiple issues, from chronic stress and pain to mental health problemsImage credits: Valeriia Miller / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
A woman turned to the net for advice after her boyfriend called her out for not making changes in her life to be happier and healthierImage credits: Blake Cheek / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Cooky1998
Image credits: Blake Cheek / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression, is good for your health, and improves your self-esteemTo be very blunt, everyone needs to get in the habit of exercising on a regular basis. What you do specifically—whether that's jogging, yoga, tennis, hiking, pilates, basketball, weightlifting, etc.—isn't as important as the fact that you move in a way that's enjoyable to you. You need to listen to your body. What works for one person might not work for you due to your build, traumas, and lifestyle.
The advice is very similar for healthy adults, seniors, as well as individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities. The CDC recommends that men and women between the ages of 18 and 64 do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Brisk walking fits the bill here. On top of that, you should have at least 2 days every week where you focus on activities that strengthen your muscles.
Adults who are 65 years and older should do the same but also spend some additional time on activities that improve their balance: for instance, standing on one foot.
Meanwhile, the CDC urges adults with chronic conditions or disabilities to have similar physical health goals. They should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week, for instance, moving for 30 minutes 5 days a week. They should also spend 2 days per week strengthening their major muscle groups.
Of course, if you're in chronic pain, you should speak to your doctor about what types of exercise might be best for you. Broadly speaking, getting any movement is better than getting none.
Exercise, when done habitually, improves many aspects of your life. The NHS explains that people who do regular physical activity have a lower risk of depression, dementia, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, breast cancer, osteoarthritis, hip fracture, and early death.
Furthermore, exercise tends to boost the quality of your sleep and energy, reduce your risk of stress, and improve your self-esteem and your mood.
Depressive disorder is a common problem that can require a complex strategy to tackle, from therapy to lifestyle changesDepression, which is also known as depressive disorder, is a very common mental disorder, affecting 3.8% of all people around the globe and 5% of all adults, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the United States, 21 million adults have had at least one major depressive episode (i.E., at least two weeks of a depressed mood), the National Institute of Mental Health reports. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, depressive episodes are the most common among young adults aged 18 to 25.
Broadly speaking, the disorder is characterized by a depressed mood and losing pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.
Depressed people can feel empty, sad, irritable, unable to focus, and hopeless about the future. The disorder can also contribute to low self-worth, changes in appetite, and poor sleep. Other symptoms include feeling exhausted and as though you have little energy.
If left untreated, depression can affect important aspects of your life, from your relationships to your performance at work or school. The WHO notes that depressive disorder can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable are people who have experienced stressful events, severe losses, or abuse. Furthermore, the WHO explains that women are 50% more likely to develop depression than men.
The majority of people living in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their mental disorders due to a variety of reasons, from social stigma and a lack of trained healthcare providers to poor investments in mental health care as a whole.
Certain things are non-negotiable if you want to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Things like getting regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and investing in positive relationships.
Human beings are social animals: we need movement and relationships to feel fulfilled and to become more resilient. If you cut yourself off from exercise and isolate yourself socially, it will only make any issues you have worse.
Here's the impartial advice some internet users shared with the author of the viral storyThe post Couple's Relationship Strains As Man Loses Patience With GF's Never-Ending Challenges first appeared on Bored Panda.
For Those With CTE, Family History Of Mental Illness Tied To Aggression In Middle Age
People who have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) who have a family history of mental illness may have a higher risk of aggression in middle age, according to a study published in the November 27, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
CTE is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head injuries, often seen in athletes and military personnel, that can lead to mood changes and dementia.
"This appears to be a case where together these risk factors add up to a greater risk for aggression than they each do on their own, where people with CTE and a family history of mental illness are much more likely to have aggressive behavior than those with just CTE or just the family history," said study author Jesse Mez, MD, MS, of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
The study involved 845 men who were exposed to repetitive head impacts through contact sports or military service. A total of 329 of them played professional football. All donated their brains to research after their death, which was at an average age of 60. Of the total group, 589, or 70%, had CTE and 383, or 45%, had a family history of mental illness.
Researchers interviewed family members or spouses of the participants about their aggressive behavior. They were also asked whether the participants' parents, siblings or children were ever diagnosed with major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mood or psychiatric disorders. If any family member had a diagnosis, the participant was considered to have a family history of mental illness.
Researchers then divided participants into four groups: 256 people, or 30%, with CTE and a family history of mental illness; 333 people, or 40%, with CTE and without a family history of mental illness; 127 people, or 15%, without CTE and with a family history of mental illness; and 129 people, or 15%, without CTE and without a family history of mental illness.
Researchers asked family members about the participants' aggressive behavior, such as whether they had severe arguments with others or got in physical fights, where scores ranged from zero to 44. They found that during adulthood people with CTE and a family history of mental illness had an average score of 19 compared to people with CTE without a family history of mental illness who had an average score of 17.
"This relationship was most striking for participants who died between 40 and 59 years old," Mez added.
After adjusting for other factors, such as total years playing contact sports and military history, researchers found that those who died between 40 and 59 years old who had CTE and a family history of mental illness scored an average of 0.64 standard deviations higher on a scale measuring aggression when compared to those with CTE, but without a family history of mental illness. For people who did not have CTE, having a family history of mental illness did not increase their risk for aggressive behavior.
"The link between a family history of mental illness and aggression may be through a shared genetic background and also through shared environment and common behaviors, such as childhood experiences with family members," said Mez. "Identifying people who are more likely to show symptoms of aggression based on family history of mental illness would give us a way to predict the consequences of CTE and identify who may benefit most from treatment options."
A limitation of the study was that the study relied on past information from family members and spouses who may not have remembered information accurately.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Nick and Lynn Buoniconti Foundation.
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