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MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

MENTAL HEALTH 

IMPLICATIONS

 

Those with invisible disabilities, whether it be physical or mental, carry around burdens that are unknown to the outside world. According to Havard Health Publishing, invisible diseases affect about 10% of Americans. Several examples of these ailments include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and mental struggles like anxiety and depression. 
A significant mental battle for those struggling with an invisible condition is how to be vulnerable; “every day brings weighty decisions about whether or when to disclose their condition and how to deal with possibly mixed reactions” (Salamon). In my experience being vulnerable with people about my disease, I have gotten a variety of somewhat insensitive responses, from “You look great,” to “But you don’t look sick.” Invisible diseases pose a unique challenge: sometimes, people may be less likely to understand the gravity of the situation if there is no physical evidence of a struggle. That said, “keeping you illness under wraps comes with distinct drawbacks, fueling a haunting sense of separation” (Salamon). It is nearly impossible to gain support of others without some degree of vulnerability.   

Tips for Those Disclosing  

Invisible Illnesses

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Revealing symptoms or emotions related to an invisible disease can be challenging. These tips and strategies may ease that burden and help others better understand the situation and yield more empathetic responses (Salamon):
1) Keep the description of your illness direct and simple
2) Provide people with more information and resources
3) Explain the personal limitations of your illness
4) Stick to straightforward facts about your condition
5) Try to explain the situation in a relatable manner
6) Be honest about the support you need from others

Tips for Those Disclosing Invisible Illnesses 

mood-7529903_1280 (1)
Revealing symptoms or emotions related to an invisible disease can be challenging. These tips and strategies may ease that burden and help others better understand the situation and yield more empathetic responses (Salamon):
1) Keep the description of your illness direct and simple
2) Provide people with more information and resources
3) Explain the personal limitations of your illness
4) Stick to straightforward facts about your condition
5) Try to explain the situation in a relatable manner
6) Be honest about the support you need from others

Tips for Those Supporting Someone with an Invisible Illness 

It can be overwhelming and difficult to react the “right” way when you wish to support someone with a situation that is hard to personally relate to, however these approaches may help someone receive the news more sympathetically (Salamon):
1) Express curiosity compassionately
2) Keep an open mind about others’ experiences 
3) Be genuine and listen thoughtfully
4) Avoid assumptions and judgements  
5) Provide a safe and comfortable environment
6) Express gratitude to those who open up to you
pexels-tara-winstead-8378740

Tips for Those Supporting 

 Someone with an Invisible 

Illness

It can be overwhelming and difficult to react the “right” way when you wish to support someone with a situation that is hard to personally relate to, however these approaches may help someone receive the news more sympathetically (Salamon):
1) Express curiosity compassionately
2) Keep an open mind about others’ experiences 
3) Be genuine and listen thoughtfully
4) Avoid assumptions and judgements  
5) Provide a safe and comfortable environment
6) Express gratitude to those who open up to you
pexels-tara-winstead-8378740

Implications of Living with Ulcerative colitis

Although invisible, ulcerative colitis tends to commonly cause periods of mental and physical debilitation. “Globally, the majority of patients with moderate to severe disease (84%) reported UC to be mentally exhausting; even patients with milder UC (75%)… agreed” (Dubinsky et al).  Whether in remission or in an active flare, ulcerative colitis has the potential to negatively impact nearly every sector of a patient’s life.
One of the less recognized aspects of life that ulcerative colitis impacts is work, more prevalent in adult cases. According to the UC Narrative Survey, about 80% of ulcerative colitis patients reported that living with ulcerative colitis impacts their work, missing about 8 days in the last year due to their symptoms. While most workplaces are accommodating, “39% of patients had not told their employer about their UC diagnosis because of a fear of repercussions” (Dubinsky et al). The stresses of ulcerative colitis can create a lack of confidence in the workplace, leading to underperformance. 
A frequent source of stress for those living with ulcerative colitis is bathroom urgency and frequency. During periods of remission, “patients reported visiting the bathroom a mean of 3.5 times” per day, and during their worst flares, up to about 10 times per day (Dubinsky et al). This aspect of ulcerative colitis has a tendency to hinder social experiences and, in my experience, activities where the nearest bathroom is unknown, like road trips or hikes. These hinderances produce a higher level of internal stress and conflict, as it is difficult and oftentimes shameful to admit that lack of participation in fun social ventures stems from the need to be near a restroom at all times. 
Due to the emotional isolation that ulcerative colitis can create, many patients experience some form of anxiety, depression, or both. It is important to seek resources and support from a physician when symptoms are present and debilitating. However the mental pain can be, in some ways, even more complex. Discussing the physical and emotional strains of living with ulcerative colitis can provoke feelings of embarrassment, uncertainty, or loneliness. Each individual has a unique experience with the disease; there is nothing wrong with waiting until you are ready to talk about it. 
 
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Copyright 2025 Allyson Bartels Thesis

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Copyright 2025 Allyson Bartels Thesis

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