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How to be happy with UC

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Posted 2/14/2017 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Very tricky/weird question, but for me, it's been an emotional rollercoaster as it has been for most people. I have been slowly getting used to this sickness and accepting it but I struggle to stay happy consistently, I try to think about others that have it worse, think of UC as a blessing in disguise but the consistent pain is crippling me mentally and physically.
I think I need a cup of cement, but anyone that has an unheard of tip that'll help me even a little I would appreciate it greatly

Stay safe
Posted 2/14/2017 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
like UC itself, everyone responds in their own way - me, when i am feeling like sh!t, i'm not the least bit happy - and to be honest, i don't even try -

but for me, seeing a light, and actually being in the light, made the whole experience tolerable - if there was no light, well then i'd be screwed !

we can find a world of folks that have lives that suck way worse than ours for a myriad of reasons - doesn't mean our lives don't suck at all - just a different kind of suck -

be happy when you can, don't fret too much when you can't -

hang in there -

btw, what exactly is going on with your UC ??
Posted 2/14/2017 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
I finally gave up and asked for an antidepressant because I was worried that my depressed state (mainly due to feeling so badly for so long and being too tired to do much) was adversely affecting my health even more. My GI doc explained to me (but I don't recall all the details because he was using a lot of unfamiliar medical terms) that what was going on in my gut (some kind of chemical being released) definitely contributes to feeling depressed. Google "depression and the gut". Exercise is the best thing, especially a walk outside in the sun if possible, but it's hard to get out when you have no energy and are afraid of taxing your physical resources even more than they are already by the UC. Have only been on the antidepressant a couple of weeks but it does seem to be helping. If you're against antidepressants, then I definitely recommend a gentle walk outside every day. Also, yoga works wonders. Meditation is restful. Or any exercise of your choosing, as long as you don't overdo.
Posted 2/14/2017 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
I think everyone with UC has been depressed and upset at various points. It's from the inflammation as well as being sick, but can also be from side effects of meds to boot. When in a flare, I also always wonder when it's going to end and worry about a flare lasting for years even though it never has.

I try to get 20 minutes of walking outside even when super fatigued, listen to relaxing music/podcasts, relaxation exercises, yoga, and remind myself of all the other people who are sicker than me. I think of the advantages of having an illness, including having to take better care of yourself, know your limits/body, eat really healthy, appreciate life, and it's made me a better person. I eat an all organic, unprocessed diet so I'm sure that will help me long-term!

One of the other advantages is that when you are feeling good, you really appreciate it and can stay in the present because it's precious! Other people who have never been ill don't appreciate small things and take their health for granted. I don't get upset over any of the small stuff overall due to UC. My friends get upset if they have a headache and complain about having a cold, which I find amusing (LOL)!

Lastly, the goal of being happy all/majority of time is not realistic. This illness is difficult--not going to sugar coat it. Accepting that you will have good and bad days is key.

Post Edited (Jane974) : 2/13/2017 10:40:38 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/14/2017 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Are you currently in remission? If you're not, see to take care of the flare first. It is very important to take it day by day, especially when coming out of a flare but also after. Remember to take your meds daily and don't skip a day. Sounds trivial but it cost me remission in the past.

"Others have it worse" is really stupid because each individual suffers differently. There is no such thing as a comparison within illnesses. At least for me.
Posted 2/14/2017 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
People have different personalities so what works for me may be impossible/unhelpful for other people.
Sami said "I struggle to stay happy consistently". I'd say "Lower your goals" because no one I know, UC/non-UC is happy consistently. It's OK to feel bad as long as the "bad" is less often than the "happy".

I am an optimist which IMO kept me in denial way too long. Once I got fed up with the way UC was taking too much of my life away I started to get REALLY serious about reducing my symptoms. Has not been easy or quick but better than the alternative (living with them).

1. One day (or hour) at a time (as Andrina mentioned). Just try and get through the hour or meeting or day.

2. Reward yourself in whatever way you like. Hopefully not damaging that you'll feel even worse later.

3. Tomorrow is a new day. If you have day after day of "bad days" you need to explore bigger choices like getting a new doctor for different treatments, possibly surgery.

Last thought from me: the worst part of UC for me was unpredictability, not feeling in control. RX meds didn't help and I never knew when urgency, bleeding, etc would happen. So I was constantly anxious.
Now that I am in control of my body again UC anxiety is gone. That is my happiness secret.
Posted 2/14/2017 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah....i like all of the above opinions. Be real in the fact that no one is deemed special or entitled to have any disease, and it certainly isn't a blessing....that's just another way of staying in denial.

When you get past that belief....you'll move forward.

Have you had your levels of vitamons D and B checked?

q
Posted 2/14/2017 5:50 PM (GMT 0)

Andrina said...


"Others have it worse" is really stupid because each individual suffers differently. There is no such thing as a comparison within illnesses. At least for me.

I misspoke when I said worse and really meant that others are suffering too.

The idea that others are suffering too and one is not alone is a tenant of several religions, including buddhism. It's not for everyone I agree, but it helps many people with feeling less frustrated/resentful. It's also one of the reasons why these forums are helpful.

I also think that acknowledging that there are some "advantages" to have an illness is not denial but rather acceptance. I am not saying that UC is a good thing, but it does make you a stronger person in my opinion and forces you to have re-evaluate your life, which can be a good thing for some. The same thing happens when people get cancer. There is lot's of research showing that cancer patients report finding meaning in their life and being able to focus on what matters due to their diagnosis.
Posted 2/14/2017 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I think any benefit or advantage realised through suffering mostly occurs retrospectively, in our case perhaps after achieving remission or having recovered from surgery. In my experience, when things are bad with UC, it's very difficult to see past the present moment. Rather than resist and be angry about it, I've found the only approach that is remotely helpful is to take one day at a time, make sure you're doing everything you can do help yourself, acknowledge that you're right in the thick of an extremely challenging situation and remind yourself that things will eventually improve.
Posted 2/14/2017 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, depression and UC go hand in hand. We've all been in deep dark places when our UC gets to us and we feel hopeless. Living with a chronic illness can be a rollercoaster of emotions at times.

You need an escape and a healthy way to vent when UC becomes overwelming. Reinvest in hobbies you love: reading, music, games, and anything you like as you cannot worry about the UC 24/7 and expect to remain sane. Try yoga, meditation (ohm lol), and practice mindfulness. Light exercise can make us feel great afterwards. Same goes for hobbies that have accomplishments, we make something, or practice and show improvements over time.

Tips for coping with depression, stress, and anxieties:
www.stress-relief-exercises.com
www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons
www.healthyplace.com

Three Minute Mindfulness Meditation Video
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDflnqo0TQs
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2_UfFIszkY

There's absolutely no easy button, that i know of. But if you find one please let us all know smile
Posted 2/15/2017 11:55 AM (GMT 0)

Jane974 said...

Andrina said...


"Others have it worse" is really stupid because each individual suffers differently. There is no such thing as a comparison within illnesses. At least for me.

I misspoke when I said worse and really meant that others are suffering too.

The idea that others are suffering too and one is not alone is a tenant of several religions, including buddhism. It's not for everyone I agree, but it helps many people with feeling less frustrated/resentful. It's also one of the reasons why these forums are helpful.

I also think that acknowledging that there are some "advantages" to have an illness is not denial but rather acceptance. I am not saying that UC is a good thing, but it does make you a stronger person in my opinion and forces you to have re-evaluate your life, which can be a good thing for some. The same thing happens when people get cancer. There is lot's of research showing that cancer patients report finding meaning in their life and being able to focus on what matters due to their diagnosis.

I don't take pleasure in other people's suffering. I suffer with them (especially close friends, family etc). As in knowing that I'm not the only one going through this is indeed comforting in a way.
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