4. Psychological Well-being: Mental Strength Is More Than Willpower
Anyone living with a chronic illness will attest that mental health is equally, if not more, important than physical well-being. With Crohn’s Disease, the constant worry about symptoms, treatments, and life changes can take a toll on mental health. Unfortunately, deteriorating mental health can feed into a vicious cycle by exacerbating physical symptoms, including those of Crohn’s Disease.
The concept of psychoneuroimmunology explores how mental states can affect immune response. Research in this area is booming and has led to a better understanding of how chronic stress or depression can worsen inflammation, a hallmark of Crohn’s. This gives credence to practices like mindfulness, meditation, and other cognitive therapies for improving life expectancy in Crohn’s patients.
Did you know that negative mental states can impact gut flora? Yes, it sounds strange, but the gut-brain axis is a two-way street. An imbalance in gut flora can lead to inflammation, while stress and depression can negatively impact gut health, creating a cycle that exacerbates Crohn’s symptoms. (4)
