How to Help a Loved One Cope With Crohn's Disease

Watching a loved one suffer the ravages of Crohn's disease is very difficult. Crohn's disease causes debilitating pain and symptoms that limit the ability to lead a normal life, and that are often embarrassing. Symptoms often include frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Those who live alongside Crohn's patients might feel powerless to help their loved ones cope with the physical and emotional challenges. With a few simple strategies, you can help your loved one cope with Crohn's disease, and you can learn to cope with it yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn as much as you can about Crohn's disease. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, this complex chronic illness can have many different symptoms and might require many approaches to manage it. Understanding the facts of the disease will help you better understand what your loved one is experiencing.

• 2

  Be available to listen to your loved one. Allow her to share as much or as little as she feels comfortable sharing. Certain aspects of Crohn's disease are very personal and difficult to discuss, so make yourself available without forcing the issue.

• 3

  Offer to accompany your loved one to doctor appointments or medical procedures, but understand if they prefer to go alone.

• 4

  Join a support group. These groups are not just for Crohn's sufferers; they also offer support and advice for friends and family. Support groups are a good resource for coping strategies and for keeping abreast of the latest information about the disease.

• 5

  Be a partner in reducing stress. Stress has negative physical effects on everyone, so it certainly is not good for those with a chronic disease. Offer to take a yoga class with your loved one, or simply make it possible for him to take some time alone to meditate or rest.

• 6

  Reinforce a positive body image. Crohn's patients often have a poor body image. Physical changes caused by procedures or medications can take a toll on how Crohn's patients see themselves, so drawing attention to the positive might help them cope.