Can having Ulcerative Colitis lead to depression or symtoms of depression?

Question

I am a junior in high school and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was in the 6th or 7th grade and have had 2 relapses since then and been on over 3 to 4 different medications during this time. The most recent medication seems to be working and I have not had problems for a while now. Ever since junior year started, I can't help but feel that I've become very fatigued and being very bored almost all the time. I feel very irritable (spelling?) around friends now, and I find myself looking down upon myself. Could these signs of depression have anything to do with my Ulcerative Colitis? thanks
-devin

Answer 1

hi devin, I was dxed w/Crohn's in the 6th grade as well. I can truly understand where you are coming from. It is quite normal to feel the way you have been. I get that way at times when I am flaring or in remission as well.

Talk to your GI or primary care MD about what you are feeling they can offer some suggestions or go to a Crohn's & Colitis Foundation meeting.

To locate a chapter near you go to the CCFA website, click on events&chapters, then click on the state you live in and the nearest chapter will come up. I still go to the meetings just because it's nice to talk to those who are in my shoes & truly understand what I am feeling. Some even have meetings just for teens as well as a camp in the summertime.

CCFA also has a live chat as well as a hotline that is run by healthcare professionals well versed in IBD MpF 9 am - 5pm (EST).

Devin, I realize that being in high school is stress enough--dealing with homework, starting to look at colleges, wanting to hang w/friends but them canceling last minute due to not feeling well, worrying whether or not you can make it in between classes w/o having to use the bathroom, etc. Then you get told by your MD that you have an uncurable illness so you have to deal w/numerous tests, finding a medication that works, hospitalizations, & other side effects that go with it.

People w/IBD are much stronger than they think. We have to grow up sooner and take responsibility for our health. There will be good days as well as bad, but don't let it consume you. Keep yourself busy with things that make you happy like music, drawing, writing, family, & friends.

Know that you are not alone in your journey. I wish you the best for a healthy holiday season. Feel free to email me if you have questions.

Answer 2

Hi devin,

Im Eugene from the philippines... i was also diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis...having this kind of uncurable disease did a very big impact to my life. as i read some articles over the internet, i found that UC usually happens on caucasian or jewish people.. and the bad thing is im a filipino (asian).. its really depressing.. that out of million filipinos, im one of unfortunate that got this disease. You said that you always feel fatigued or stressed out. I also feel the same. I got easilly stressed out so i usually sleep on my spare time. You said that your under medication and you are feeling better now. What medicine are you taking. Right now, im taking 5-asa (salofalk 500mg) 3X a day, but before i did take steroids, and it has better reaction.

My only advice to you, is always talk to your family and be busy on other things.. btw if you need someone to talk about your disease, u can email me @ [e-mail].. i want to create a yahoogroup for all the people around the world with this disease, so we can help each other.. thanks...

Eugene Delos Reyes
Philippines

Answer 3

I have been suffering from post partum depression for the past one year when I gave birth to a baby boy. I couldn't stop thinking about how my husband loves him more than me and how things might be better if he wasn't born at all. Thus, I stayed away from him because I knew that I might do something I will regret for the rest of my life.

Almost instantly I went to a therapist and convince them that I need help. Among other things, I've tried herbal supplements and other book to treat depression but nothing works like the Depression Free Method. So now I'm proud to say I'm one of the happiest mother in the world. My husband loves us both very much and I thank the Lord for the blessing he gave us.

Depression Free Method?

Answer 4

Not a sign of the illness but most likely the medicine.

Answer 5

my uncle had colitis years ago. Yes, you can be depressed during that time.