If youve been struggling, know that youre not alone.
Its alsonot uncommonfor folks with the condition to develop poor self-esteem and feel overwhelmed day-to-daywhich makes sense.
Navigating an ongoing health issue ishard.
NBC/Getty Images; Taylor Pittman
Ready for the good news?
There are many things it’s possible for you to do to positively regulate your emotions.
I focus on the clarity my diagnosis gave me.
Barclay Stockett
Before that, Cumiskey had been struggling to leave the house due to fears of needing to go.
So while having negative emotions around receiving a UC diagnosis is valid, its worth considering this bright side.
I found others who could relate.
Taylor Pittman
All the women we interviewed cite connection as a key factor in emotional healing.
(Sadly, the site was shuttered in late 2024, butsimilar sitesdo exist.)
I really needed connection with other people who understood, because I didnt feel understood, she says.
Angelena Minniti-Stampone
She adds that it was particularly comforting to see those who had been in remission for a long time.
I shared what I was going through.
Taylor Pittman
One way to connect with others outside of a support group is via social media.
Caroline Cumiskey
Pittman, too, ultimately started posting UC-related content after keeping her diagnosis to herself for about five years.
I made an Instagram post and was just like, Hey guys, this is what I have.
Has anybody else had this?
Lyndsey Wilson
She was shocked at how many people commented and DMd her that they did.
(An ileostomy bag collects waste in a pouch outside the body.)
Being vulnerable on the internet made her see how courageous she actually is, she adds.
But when youre ready, talk to people and be honest with them.
I think that helps them as well as you because they know whats going on.
I built a strong support system.
I think they understand, even if they cant fully comprehend everything.
This was only possible, she notes, because she felt so safe with her friend group.
They made me feel really comfortable and were super understanding and accepting of it, Minniti-Stampone says.
Find a group of friends or lean into your support group.
Be honest and open with em because otherwise it can be extremely isolating.
I set strong boundaries.
Emotionally, I found putting up really strong boundaries to protect my stress was huge, Stockett says.
I think you have to start being a little bit protective with your emotional capacity, Stockett says.
She suggests identifying the stressors in your life and cutting ties with anything that can be eliminated.
It also meant cutting certain people out of her life.
Its just absolutely essential to have peace in your life so that your body can start to recover.
I look for silver linings.
Angelena Minniti-Stampone
One thing that Ive been forced to learn is how resilient I am, Stockett says.
I think I am the way I am because of my disease.
The pain that you endure with ulcerative colitis is unfortunately indescribable, she says.
I learned to listen to my body.
The biggest thing for me was allowing myself to have bad days, says Pittman.
Unfortunately, her condition went from bad to worse.
Now, she tells others to always listen to their bodies and to take breaks.
You have to give yourself grace.
I always plan ahead.
I hype myself up.
My biggest thing is I always tell myself Im stronger than I think I am, she says.
Today, Wilson feels much stronger than the 24-year-old she was when she was diagnosed.
Its hard when youre in it, but its like, I know Ill get through this.
Ive done it before.
Its my mantra, just telling myself that, she says.
I believe that remission is possible.
Above all, these women say its important not to give up.
I am still living the life that I want to live, even though I have UC.
She adds that its important to keep moving forward and learning what works for your body.
Youll find the exact blueprint that you should probably get back to the life that you want to live.
There is a path that leads to healing and leads to remission.
Additionally, TheCrohns and Colitis Foundationoffers resources andlocal groupsnationwide for ongoing support.
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