Ease Ulcerative Colitis Cramps

People who have IBD, including ulcerative colitis, have a higher risk of anxiety and depression compared with those who don’t have IBD, according to a study. And depression and anxiety might make your abdominal pain worse, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Depression can cause you to feel sad, hopeless, or isolated. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), other signs of depression include:

• A sudden change in appetite
• Altered sleeping patterns
• A loss of interest in people or in activities you once enjoyed

Anxiety can cause you to feel restless, on edge, irritable, or have difficulty concentrating, says the NIMH. Other anxiety symptoms can include:

• Muscle tension
• Difficulty controlling worried feelings
• Sleep problems and fatigue

If you think you may have depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.