Managing stress, anxiety and low mood
How can IBD impact my mental health?
The gut and the mind are closely linked via a communication network that allows the information to flow bi-directionally. A problem with one can influence a problem in the other. For people with IBD, this can mean that the state of their symptoms can impact their mental wellbeing, and for those people with mental health conditions, they may have a higher risk of flare-ups.1
Experiencing worry or stress is normal for people living with an illness, but people with IBD are at greater risk of experiencing depression and anxiety, particularly when symptoms are more severe. You can read more about dealing with flare-ups here. Understandably, recurring bouts of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, needing to go to the bathroom urgently can often impact work and social life, and lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration and hopelessness.1
~1 in 3 people with IBD experience high levels of anxiety or depression.1
When IBD symptoms are active, this increases to ~2 in 3 people.1
5 top stress-busters1,2
1. Eat well and be physically active. You can read more about dietary considerations with IBD here, and more about exercise here.
2. Get good sleep and rest as needed. Read more about fatigue and sleep.
3. Find support from family, friends or healthcare professionals when you need to. Read more about communicating and getting support. There are IBD organisations and support groups you may like to look into on our Resources page. You can also read the stories of other people living with IBD here.
4. Find ways to relax such as breathing, meditation or yoga. Learn more about mindfulness.
5. Get involved in what interests you.
How do I know when to ask for help?
If it reaches a point where living with IBD is impacting your mental wellbeing, it is important to speak up and talk to your healthcare team. You are not alone and there is help available. There are medications and treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, that can help you get your mood back on track, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some signs you can look out for include:1,3
How you feel, mentally and emotionally
- Worried or anxious
- Depressed or hopeless
- Ashamed or embarrassed
- Angry or frustrated
- Irritable or agitated
- Numb or empty
- Worthless
How you think
- Excessive worrying
- Catastrophising
- Dwelling on negatives
- Self-doubt and criticism
- Difficulty concentrating
How you act
- Avoidance
- Social withdrawal
- Reduced activity
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Overeating or undereating
How you feel, physically
- Further fatigue
- Difficulty relaxing
- Restlessness
- Reduced or increased appetite
- Reduced or increased sleep
Support when in a crisis
If you need crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14 now.
Additional resources are also available, including:
- Beyond Blue - Gain further support for managing things like anxiety and depression here.
- Read the communicating and getting support article for more information.
References: 1. Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Mental Health and IBD. Available from: gesa.org.au/resources/patient-resources Accessed: August 2025. 2. Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Mental health and wellbeing. Available from: crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/living-with-crohns-or-colitis/mental-health-and-wellbeing Accessed: August 2025. 3. Black Dog Institute. When & where to seek help. Available from: blackdoginstitute.org.au/emergency-help/when-where-to-seek-help Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250072. August 2025.