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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/11/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone reached out for therapy to help with the emotional aspect of this disease.  Is anyone comfortable enough to share what is recommended on how to get thru life, flares, relationships, anger, acceptance, piece of mind.  I know its a personal thing to ask, thanks to who ever can share..
Posted 1/12/2009 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I havent had therapy. I have had anti-depressants however. My therapy has actually been support from sites like these. It is very helpful to share experiences with people who know what its like. Therapists dont have that experience (unless you find one with UC)....

I would be happy to share anything I can offer as far as the experiences I have been through, what I have done and would have done differently, etc. I got UC at the same age as your son and have been through 14 years and counting....so maybe I can be of some help.

To start, I would encourage that he reads some posts on this site, join in on some discussions, and talk to regular people here who are going through the same thing. That offers piece of mind. Right now he may feel alone, embarrassed, and pretty helpless... seeing that there are people just like him going through the same thing, and offering very good information, questions, answers, and similar experiences will help immensely. If this site didnt exist, I would be in therapy.

Any other specific questions feel free to ask....would be glad to answer.
Posted 1/12/2009 12:06 AM (GMT 0)

I waited too long before seeking therapy.  I was depressed during the last 2 years with UC and chalked it up to being on prednisone.  Six months after surgery, and having my health restored, I still couldn't get out of depression and sought help with a psychologist who had experience in chronic illness.  Between sessions with her and an Rx of an antidepressant I regained my emotional health.  I highly recommend therapy but I also recommend you interview prospective psychologists and try to find one who has worked with the chronically ill.

Sue

Posted 1/12/2009 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I never had therapy, but was on antidepressants for several years. It started when I was on steroids, and when my doctor told me they had caused me to have type II diabetes, I pretty much fell apart in her office. Now I'm off the pred, the blood sugar issues are gone, I've been in remission for a while and I recently tapered off the Zoloft.
Posted 1/12/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Believe it or not, I actually find comming to support groups online (like here at HW) a form of therapy, I also exercise regularly and that too is a great form of therapy in dealing with this DD emotionally, mentally and even physically.

:)
Posted 1/12/2009 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. I started seeing someone for my anxieties after my second flare. I am taking Lexapro. My doctor plans to wean me off the Lexapro soon. I don't feel I'm ready though. Perhaps this summer. Will see.
Posted 1/12/2009 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
I did. Helped me a lot. Cognitive therapy.
Helped me get a more realistic view on things instead of letting the mind run of with me and make me more sick than I am.
But it's a thin line I think - between accepting your illness and take it as it comes as opposed to going into a death spiral of finding a cure that is maybe not there (trying to control it)

I still have anxiety but, but only 10-15% of what I had. I was far out!
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