However, knowing the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between symptoms of diseases like IBD and symptoms of depression can help you understand when it’s time to call your doctor.
The Brain-Belly Connection
You might not realize just how sensitive your GI tract is to your emotions. Think about it – when you’re upset, one of your first reactions might be to feel physically nauseated, lose your appetite, or run for a comfort food. The brain and the gastrointestinal system are so closely linked that tummy troubles can be the cause of, or the result of, anxiety, stress, or depression, according to Harvard Medical School experts. When you’re going through depression, you may have digestive symptoms, such as:
Gastric distressNo appetiteCramping
When It’s More Than Depression
Many of the digestive symptoms experienced with depression are similar to what you might experience with IBS, which is considered a condition but not a disease, or with an IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The clues are in the differences in severity of some symptoms and the presence of other ones. With IBS, you’re likely to experience long-term abdominal pain and alternate between bouts of constipation and diarrhea, according to CCFA. These symptoms can be so severe that they take over your life. What causes IBS is still uncertain, but some people are helped by learning techniques like stress management and relaxation training from a mental health therapist. You might be able to gain this knowledge through the therapist helping you manage depression. RELATED: What Your Gut May Be Telling You With IBD, the more serious illness from an overall health standpoint, chronic diarrhea can be a hallmark. IBD involves inflammation at certain points along your digestive tract, which doesn’t occur with IBS or with tummy troubles from depression, CCFA explains. Other IBD symptoms include bloody stools, anemia (from loss of blood), and fever. People with IBD may also have abdominal pain and even skin problems, says psychologist Frank J. Sileo, PhD, founder and executive director of the Center for Psychological Enhancement in Ridgewood, New Jersey. If your digestive symptoms go beyond what’s expected from depression, it’s time to check in with your doctor. Make a list of your symptoms, including when they started, how long they lasted, and, if you’ve had them in the past, how you treated them, suggests the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). During the appointment, your doctor will ask about your condition, do a physical exam, and possibly even run lab tests to figure out the cause of your symptoms.
IBD and Symptoms of Depression
Anyone who has IBD might find it beneficial to talk with a mental health professional, because the unpredictability and uncertainty associated with the disease can be overwhelming emotionally. “When someone receives the diagnosis of IBD, they are typically flooded with [lots of different] emotions," Sileo says. “One may be depression or just feelings of sadness.” A therapist familiar with IBD can help you process those emotions and address them as needed. If you do have depression, it’s very important to start treatment as soon as possible. According to NIMH, a delay in treatment can lead to greater impairment in the future. “Patients with depressive symptoms typically have reported a lower quality of life and may be at an increased risk for relapses of IBD symptoms,” Sileo says. Depression can directly impact the healing process for IBD because it affects the immune system, which can prompt an inflammatory response. “Studies have found that when patients [with IBD] received mental health care, they spent fewer days in the hospital and took fewer sick days off from work,” he explains. “When diagnosed with a chronic illness such as IBD, people obviously focus on getting the best medical care," Sileo says. “They often see depression as a byproduct of the diagnosis and ignore it. My recommendation is to seek mental health help early.” There are many effective approaches to treating depression, including talk therapy, relaxation training, and mindfulness work like meditation and guided imagery, he adds. Many of these same approaches can help you manage either IBD or IBS and improve your emotional health as you get any needed treatments for your physical health.
