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Is there a connection between poor mental health and UC?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/6/2007 12:42 PM (GMT -8)
To add insult to injury, I not only deal with my funky intestinal problems but also suffer from minor amounts of depression mingled with larger issues surrounding anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) that I've had since my teen age years. Is there a connection? Are there other members who confess to similar circumstances and who are taking an anti-depressant for their problems in addition to whatever you may be taking for what is going on in your gut?

I am just curious. It seems to me there is a connection.
Posted 9/6/2007 12:52 PM (GMT -8)
Yes, there is definitely a connection. Many of us have talked in the past about anxiety being on of the first symptoms we feel at the onset of a flare. I also deal with intermitent bouts of anxiety and mild depression. I've heard that many of your mood regulating hormones are produced in your gut, so it makes sense that if your gut is out of whack your moods may be too.
Posted 9/6/2007 1:31 PM (GMT -8)
I understand that depression can be brought on by any chronic illness and it's no surprise that UC can bring on or exacerbate depression/anxiety, we live in constant pain, dread going anywhere in case and quite literally have to change our whole lifes in order to stay in control.

Take care.

Dave
Posted 9/6/2007 4:25 PM (GMT -8)
Depression or anxiety wouldn't/doesn't cause UC.

Many can become depressed or have anxiety attacks brought forth from being sick or from having chronic illness. Hormone fluctuations (and actually prednisone) can exacerbate symptoms or even trigger bipolar disorder.

I've inherited the tendency of depression/anxiety quite honestly from my mother's side and somewhat my dad's. Therapy helped me deal with them as well as Effexor for depression.

I think our coping mechanisms are both nature and nurture.

quincy
Posted 9/6/2007 5:43 PM (GMT -8)

I guess I am an exception.  No stress or anxiety until after 10 years of having the disease and the disease and the drugs are what caused my anxiety.  UC is not caused by poor mental health, but having the disease can dispose one to poor mental health as in my case.

Sue

Posted 9/6/2007 6:39 PM (GMT -8)
I agree it seems people with UC have a good reason to be anxious or depressed at times.  It would take more fortitude than I have not to be affected mentally or emotionally after a long period of a chronic illness.  If these feelings persist into weeks or months, I would certainly have a CBC to check for iron deficiency anemia.  The world was a much better place after I finally was diagnosed and treated with iron supplements. 


Posted 9/6/2007 8:25 PM (GMT -8)
I don't know, I have crohns-colitis and I think I'm nuts now compared to what I was like before I had it...LOL!


:)
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