crohn's anxiety

justcallmeD

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2009

Posts : 48

Posted 5/30/2011 5:02 AM (GMT 0)

my anxiety is getting worse. I have a huge anxiety problem over my crohn's. I keep worrying about my health getting worse, needing surgery, loosing my job, going broke. Different seinerios just keep running through my head. Ive lost touch with my family because its so dificult to talk about my health. I got tired of them asking me how I was feeling all the time. I just wanted to be treated normal. So i thought it would be better if I just stopped talking to them. That was 6 months ago. Now im just lonely, crying all the time, and I dont know how to fix it. I feel like I should be in a mental hospital.

stkitt

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 32602

Posted 5/30/2011 1:33 PM (GMT 0)

justcallmeD

I am so sorry you have this nasty disease but I promise you it is possible to live with Crohn's. My hubby has had Crohn's for 34 years and been through 4 major surgeries. He has anxiety too as with his last surgery he was started on Methotrexate IM. His diet is very restricted as he has short bowel syndrome and does not want to attend any gatherings as he cannot eat what is offered and he only drinks water and juice now.

His family is wonderful whenever we need them and yes they ask him how he is to which he answers, " Im fine". It's the easiest answer and nobody ask questions then. He does not find its necessary to go into detail because they arent going to understand his disease process and he does not like to discuss it. He is a very private person.

You don't belong in a mental hospital as you have anxiety like all of us here in the forum. You can overcome your anxiety or at least decrease it. We are here to support you.

How about therapy to help you understand your feelings. I see a therapist and I have had anxiety and depression for 29 years - never been in a hospital.

Take a deep breath and think about reuniting with your family. It will help stop you from feeling so lonely.

Kindly,
Kitt

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 5/30/2011 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi JCMD and welcome to the A/P forum. I am sorry to hear of your recent battles with health and anxiety. They can and will certainly play off of each other!

Chronic illness as, you know, is all about management. You will want to manage your anxiety just as you do the Crohn's. If you lapse in one, it can exacerbate the other. Kitt's advice regarding therapy to help with the anxiety is excellent. You can't change your diagnosis and the stress that goes along with having a chronic auto-immune disorder, but you can get help to lower your stress/fear levels concerning it!

My husband was recently diagnosed with type I diabetes. Of course initially he was scared and felt depressed, but he has this wonderful resilient personality that can't stay down! If I could bottle his optimism...! He manages his disease, but doesn't obsess. He takes care of himself, but doesn't excessively worry. He has found a great balance that I wish I had!

As far as mending fences with your family...I am sure that they are waiting, hoping and praying that you will initiate contact again. It only takes one phone call or e-mail. Explaining that you want them in your life, but would like to retain a certain amount of privacy regarding your health should help in the relationship.

Please feel free to post with us anytime! We understand the burdens of dealing with anxiety and chronic illness, and we are here to support each other:)

Scaredy Cat

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