Anyone needed a psychologist or any other form of mental help?

about 8 or 9 months into my diagnosis and realizing that mine was not going to be an easy case since I was prednisone dependent, I became pretty depressed. Quit going out, didn't feel like doing anything at all except sit in a chair all day... finally got antidepressants from the doctor, and they really helped. This disease wears on you, both physically and mentally.

When do you get the results of the pathology?

You would be either UC or CD...not becoming CD.
Pancolitis UC can have backwash ileitis but youre missing the pancolitis part. Based on pattern of UC...it doesn't fit. Unless you have infection there....which is a possibility.

It's possible that your low B12 has you feeling down and depressed.
Coping and feeling not able to deal on various levels is pretty normal when you dont exactly know a diagnosis.

If you feel the need to talk with a therapist....definitely do so. I thought going to CCFC meetings would help, somI went once. All they wanted was for me to volunteer....bwahahah, NOT! Never went back. I was, however, in therapy for many years. Not for UC, but for life changes and issues within my family. Helped tremendously to have the support and learn the tools for functioning. I am forever grateful to have had he psychologist I had. Eventually I needed antidepressanta when a life situation got so overwhelming....they helped a lot.

Figure out what exactly is having you depressed. Is it no answers? A change in diagnosis, change in lifestyle, medications, family, friends..etc? If it's feeling overwhelming, talking to a counsellor who can help with perspective and helping you with coping skills is a good place to start.

Chronic disease is a difficult change in one's life, and UC or CD can definitely have a huge impact on functioning.

Let us know how you're doing and the results of the biopsies.

q

Depression and feeling weak and tired are hallmark symptoms of b12 deficiency though......and with already tough to mentally manage physical symptoms, it's understandable how that could magnify things.

My guess is you getting replete with your b12 will make a HUGE difference and things will feel more manageable. Therapy is also a great resource.

There are so many mysteries with this disease that it lends to a feeling of "no control" and for people who prefer feeling they are in control (guilty), it has been an exercise in patience.

Good luck....I hope things turn around for you soon.

It's very normal to get teary and sad. I personally found the colonoscopy I had recently to be quite traumatic. The doctors and nurses were very kind and respectful to me during the procedure which I think made a heck of a big difference to my mental state!

It's ok to feel sad. I think it's always a good idea to talk to someone who has empathy and understanding, and get those b12 levels up!

I'm big on getting your vitamin D checked for sure!
q

Great advice here. I feel teary just reading it all tbh. I've been really struggling with this flare I've been quite lucky with this disease generally just been able to chuck more drugs at it if in flare to get it under control. Not so 'lucky' this time. It's super hard. I've had accidents. And anxiety off the charts. And as the above says all the time appearing normal despite what's going on inside. I so get where you're coming from it's hard not to imagine what life would be like if we were 'normal' & not feel sorry for ourselves. I sometimes look wistfully at commuters in the traffic thinking I bet they don't have to worry about crapping themselves on the way to work.

I find mindfulness helps a little I'm just trying to get into it. there's apps like headspace and distraction/escapism like reading.

This forum is an amazing support & a therapist is also great sometimes you need to try a couple to see who you click with. I think finding the right one is key. It's easy to get caught up in negative thought patterns with this disease. I did an exercise the other day which was writing a letter to my future self of course I wrote this from a perspective of when I wasn't flaring anymore. To start with when I got asked to do it I thought lame this isn't going to do anything lol but i got so much benefit from adding some positivity & a good reminder that i won't always be in flare (hopefully?!) I'm working with this person on smaller wellbeing goals every few weeks like practicing mindfulness etc. we can't control the disease but there's things we can do to support ourselves/state of mind/wellbeing. It's nice to feel like I have a plan. I find it easy to feel overwhelmed like where do I start it's not like we have oodles of energy or headspace so I've found breaking it down helpful ie what's 1 thing to focus on in the next few weeks.

I'm not a big drinker & im sure it's not great for UC but every now & then if i know I'm going to home & around a toilet the next day I have a few. It completely relaxes me & I feel normal for the night. I'm not suggesting to go & get boozed lol just the importance of doing things to help us feel normal. I've been thinking I should entertain more at home because it's a safe environment & although I don't love the thought of it I know socialising/taking my mind off it helps.

Oh & def get your levels checked great advice. I was super low in iron & didn't know. Getting this sorted helped both physically & mentally