Are you seeing a psychologist?

Hey Isergodur,

I am not seeing a therapist at the moment but I was about a year or so ago. I developed anxiety related to Crohns, and thru therapy and the occasional help of Xanax I am now better able to control the anxiety. Its not uncommon for us to feel depressed or anxious with this dd, so don't feel bad if you feel you need some help therapeutically or medically. Big Hugs!

Gail*Nanners*

I'm not seeing a psychologist but I'm thinking about looking into what kind of counselling is offered through my school... I've been feeling really down lately and don't want to just unload it all over my family!

There are chronic illness specialists that can really help with the psychological aspects of this disease. Generally a combination of medication and therapy have the best results, but given that most psych meds are a little hard on the G.I. tract it can be challenging to find one that works for you. Furthermore, it is also a matter of finding the right therapist for you, because it can take several interviews with different therapists.

I have seen a therapist in the past for my anxiety and depression but not for my Crohn's related issues. I realized recently that I still haven't really dealt with the emotional impact of the disease in all these years so...I've made an appointment to start getting counseling for a number of things, Crohn's being one of them. I am also thinking about going to a Crohn's support group that meets once a month just to have some more support.

Finding a good therapist can be hard. I've seen half a dozen in my life and only really liked one of them. I suggest giving it a try but know that they are all different and if you don't feel like it's helping...just know that you might find someone better. I also take lorazepam as needed for my anxiety and they've just started me on effexor (for depression and anxiety) which seems to help so far.

Like MMMNavy said, a combination of therapy and drugs is usually the most effective. Not everyone has time for therapy and not everyone wants to take medications but you will find something that works for you. There are also a lot of different medications that you can try...in general SSRI's have not worked for me but there are other options.

Just know that you aren't alone! <3

I haven't yet but I have a call in right now. I just switched insurance (one high risk pool to another state's high risk pool) and have to wait until I get the coverage. But, I am also taking a small dose of both Zoloft and Buspirone. I've taken Ativan (Lorazepam) on and off, but trying not to. It's too easy for me to get used to and then I can't sleep without it. Of course, I can't sleep without something anyway. I typically take Unisom (doxylamine - an antihistamine) to sleep. My mind races like crazy at night.

I've been on the Zoloft/Buspar for a couple months now. It does seem to stabilize my moods... I resisted meds and counseling for so long. I felt like I would be fine if only I could get "well" (closer to remission). That never happens for me, so I finally had to realize that I need help.

Take care of you. You know if you would benefit from some help. It's not a weakness to take care of oneself emotionally and mentally any more than it is to take other meds for Crohn's. Hang in there!