Mental health and wellbeing

Last updated: January 2025

Last full review: November 2023

Next review date: November 2026

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This information is for people with Crohn’s or Colitis who want to understand more about taking care of their mental health.

Coping with a long-term condition like Crohn’s or Colitis can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing. But you’re not alone. We’re here to support you. This information will help you to:

  • Look after your mental wellbeing
  • Understand the link between Crohn’s and Colitis and mental health
  • Recognise when you are experiencing poor mental health
  • Find out how to get the help you need

This information might use words you have not heard before. Our page on medical words can help provide an explanation.

If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, tell someone you trust, call the NHS on 111 or go to your nearest A&E.

If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.

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  • Key facts about mental health and wellbeing
  • What are mental health and mental wellbeing?
  • Crohn's and Colitis and your mental health
  • How Crohn's and Colitis can affect your mental health
  • How your mental health can affect Crohn's and Colitis
  • The gut-brain axis
  • Common mental health problems
  • How to look after your mental health
  • Treatments and support for mental health
  • Getting the help you need
  • Other organisations
  • About this information

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Helpline service

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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Providing details of other specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

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If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

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