Mental Health
Living with IBD can affect more than the digestive system.
Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties or emotional strain related to chronic symptoms, uncertainty and the impact of IBD on daily life. Our Mental Health services provide integrated, compassionate and evidence-based psychological support for individuals living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Access to these services are provided through CHUM at no cost to our patients. Whether you are coping with a new diagnosis, ongoing symptoms, treatment decisions, flares or life changes leading to increased symptoms, our team works with you to support emotional health and improve overall quality of life.
FAQ
At the CHUM IBD Centre, we recognize that mental wellbeing is an essential part of comprehensive IBD care.
Why is it essential to consider mental health in IBD management?
Living with IBD affects the body—but it also means sometimes navigating intense and difficult emotions. The brain and the gut are closely connected and in constant communication, which is known as the brain-gut axis. Stress and emotions can influence digestive function and increase IBD symptoms. Conversely, digestive symptoms can cause anxiety, affect mood and impact psychological wellbeing. Our Mental Health services offer psychological support tailored to people living with IBD.
Who can access Mental Health services?
Mental Health services are available to current CHUM IBD Centre patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Referrals may be made by your gastroenterologist, nurse or other CHUM IBD Centre team members.
What types of concerns can be addressed?
Common concerns include anxiety, depression, stress, coping with flares, adjustment to diagnosis, body image issues, fatigue, sleep problems, health-related fears, taking medication, surgery and the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness.
What types of interventions are offered?
Support may include evidence-based psychotherapy tailored to IBD-related challenges incorporating emotional recognition and validation, cognitive-behavioural techniques, stress-management strategies, coping-skills training, and other approaches aiming to promote adaptation to the illness and enhance general wellbeing.
Will mental healthcare be coordinated with my IBD team?
Yes. Mental healthcare providers work closely with your gastroenterology team to ensure care is integrated and aligned with your medical treatment plan.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to be referred?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis. Many patients seek support to better cope with symptoms, uncertainty or the emotional burden of IBD.
How often will I have appointments?
Visit frequency is on an individualized basis depending on your needs and goals. It may range from short-term focused support to medium-term psychotherapy.
Can mental health treatment improve my IBD?
While therapy does not directly treat inflammation, improving mental health can reduce stress, enhance coping, improve treatment adherence, and positively influence quality of life and symptom perception.
How do I access Mental Health services?
Current patients can access this service through their care team. For immediate help, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Centre at 1-866-277-3553 (1-866-APPELLE) or Tel-Aide at 1-877-700-2433.
IBD is much more than just a painful physical ailment. It affects many facets of everyday life. We can help you manage this.