How to Get Counseling for Crohn's Disease

Trying to maintain a normal life with a chronic disease, such as Crohn's disease, can be tough. This inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system causes periodic health declines that can't be predicted. The symptoms can be painful or messy, and it may be hard to keep weight on. The severity of the disease varies, and some patients cope better than others. Many who are overwhelmed turn to counseling for help.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a mental health professional
• Physician's advice
• Access to other Crohn's disease support networks

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Instructions

Seek Counseling for Crohn's Disease

• 1

  Ask your doctor for a referral to a support group or individual patients who want to talk about the disease. This is especially helpful when family and friends are uncomfortable or make you feel uncomfortable about discussing your condition.

• 2

  Ask your insurance provider or your doctor for referral to a mental health specialist who is knowledgeable about Crohn's disease or chronic pain issues.

• 3

  Consider your emotional needs. For instance, you may seek counseling as a way to lower your stress and anxiety level about the disease, or to address relationship issues that have arisen as a result of tension caused by the disease.

Benefit From Counseling for Crohn's Disease

• 4

  Arrange an initial consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Discuss your goals for counseling and ask what the therapist can do for you.

• 5

  Make a commitment to counseling for a certain period of time. Mental therapy is not a quick fix, and you owe it to yourself and your therapist to allow time to heal emotionally.

• 6

  Connect with others who have the disease and learn from their experiences. You'll be able to discuss intimate details with people who are going through the same symptoms. Find support groups through the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (see Resources below).