by Lexi Hanson (Missouri, U.S.A.)
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Some connections between Mental Health and IBD (sources included below):
Some evidence supports a reciprocal relationship between mental health and disease activity. Depression is more consistently linked to outcomes than anxiety.
Mental health issues are strongly linked to relapse and recurrence. Stress-related cytokine production likely contributes to inflammation. Anxiety and depression affect treatment adherence, leading to worse outcomes.
Psychiatric comorbidities remain a major driver of poor outcomes and healthcare costs despite advances in treatment.
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Some Daily Habits to Help your Mental Health:
☐ Take medications as prescribed
☐ Eat balanced meals that support your gut health (avoid known triggers)
☐ Drink enough water throughout the day
☐ Practice 5–10 minutes of relaxation (deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching)
☐ Check in with yourself emotionally (How am I feeling today?)
☐ Engage in light physical activity if able (walk, yoga, stretching)
☐ Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep
☐ Write down one thing you’re grateful for today
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Sources:
Mental Illnesses in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: mens sana in corpore sano. Bartocci et al. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10145199/
Consensus Statement on Managing Anxiety and Depression in Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Hinnant et al. 2025. https://academic.oup.com/ibdjournal/article/31/5/1248/7739104
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/mental-health