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The Emotional Journey: Navigating the Psychological Impact of Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases

Dr. Amber Cohen


Living with a gastrointestinal autoimmune disease affects various aspects of one’s life including what you can eat, painful or uncomfortable physical symptoms, and overall lifestyle. Beyond the physical symptoms, these conditions also pose significant psychological challenges that can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.



Understanding Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases

When an individual has a gastrointestinal autoimmune disease, their immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the digestive system, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, Autoimmune Gastritis, and Microscopic Colitis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not classified as an autoimmune disease; however, it is a functional digestive condition characterized by some of the same symptoms. Symptoms of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases vary but often include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue, and vitamin deficiencies.


Impact on Mental Health

When thinking about gastrointestinal autoimmune disease, we often acknowledge the physical health impacts, but the mental health difficulties go unattended to. The discomfort and limitations imposed by these diseases can negatively impact mental health in several ways:


Body Image Concerns: Persistent bloating can lead to body insecurities and discomfort in tight clothing. When bloating develops, people often assess outfits way more than they ever have in the past - this becomes very draining.


Anxiety around Eating: Fear of triggering flare-ups can cause anxiety around mealtime, leading to stress. Additionally, it is stressful to constantly check ingredients and to keep track of triggering foods. We need food to survive, but if it causes you harm then your relationship with food will likely become complex.


Social Anxiety: Social gatherings involving food may provoke anxiety due to dietary limitations and fear of flare-ups. It is common to feel anxious about ordering at restaurants because you feel worried about being perceived as fussy and by requiring clarity on ingredients or requesting changes. It can also feel very isolating to attend a social event where you are unable to ingest anything on offer. Furthermore, flare-ups can cause anxiety as it may be embarrassing or difficult to manage uncomfortable symptoms in front of others.


Low Mood: Often people start avoiding social engagements in order to avoid the distress they feel at having to attend. Avoiding social situations and feeling alone in managing an autoimmune disease can cause sadness and low mood. When we experience physical health changes, a lot of grief arises. Things that we took for granted previously suddenly take much more consideration. Feeling sad about the losses and changes you have experienced is perfectly valid - chronic health difficulties are tough!


Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and nutrient deficiencies are common symptoms of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases that can make daily activities more difficult and can further contribute to low mood. Not having the energy level you wish to have is challenging.


Feeling Misunderstood: Lack of understanding from others, including medical professionals and loved ones, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.


Managing Mental Health

Addressing mental health challenges associated with gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases is crucial for overall well-being:

Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking, yoga, and running stimulate digestive function and promote the release of endorphins, helping to manage anxiety and depression.



Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices engage the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in digestion and helping to reduce stress.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that helps challenge ineffective thought and behavioural patterns. CBT can help you develop coping strategies for managing stress associated with the disease. Learn to problem solve in stressful situations and shift how you think and feel.


Naturopathic Medicine: Naturopathic doctors specializing in gut health can recommend supplements and lifestyle changes that can improve the gut microbiota and overall digestive function. Naturopathic medicine can also help with managing the side effects of medications prescribed for autoimmune diseases.


Mental Health Support: Therapists provide a safe space to discuss challenges faced alongside autoimmune diseases, helping reduce feelings of loneliness. Look for therapists who offer evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, EMDR and mindfulness. These techniques can help with stress, anxiety, low mood, and digestive function.


Seeking Support

Managing the mental health impacts of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases alongside physical symptoms can be challenging and may feel lonely, but support is available. Seeking assistance from healthcare professionals and therapists can provide valuable resources and alleviate feelings of isolation. Additionally, finding a friend, family member or support group who are able to offer an empathic ear can be very beneficial.


Living with a gastrointestinal autoimmune disease can be stressful, but with proper support and coping strategies, individuals can enhance their mental well-being and overall quality of life.


References

 

Northeast Digestive Health Center. (n.d.). How Autoimmune Diseases Affect the Gut. Northeast Digestive Health Center. Retrieved from https://www.northeastdigestive.com/blog/how-autoimmune-diseases-affect-the-gut/


Rupa Health. (n.d.). The Impact of Stress on Autoimmune Diseases and the Potential Benefits of Stress Reduction Techniques. Rupa Health. Retrieved from https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-impact-of-stress-on-autoimmune-diseases-and-the-potential-benefits-of-stress-reduction-techniques


 

Amber Cohen Psy.D., C.Psych. Registered Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Amber Cohen’s areas of clinical interests include the mind-body connection, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

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