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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I help support someone with Crohn's disease?

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    Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Digestive Health
    I have connected with a friend though an IBD support group. We communicate by txt / and internet. She is very sick with Crohn's disease and has told me she has run out of options, I am very worried for her I don't know what else I can do to help her I try to be there for her but I wish I could do more for her. Can you suggest what else I can do for her?
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    • Crohn's & Colitis Australia
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  • Crohn's & Colitis Australia

    For more than 25 years, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia™ (formerly the Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association) has been making life more liveable for more than … View Profile

    Check with your friend if they are aware of the IBD Helpline service run by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia 1800 138 029.   It may help your friend to actually talk with someone who can draw on many years of experience assisting people with IBD to provide the guidance and support your friend needs.     
     
    Continue with the support you are able to give by expressing genuine care and concern and how you wish you could be there to reassure them, give more support and a comforting hug.  It’s not necessary to feel as though you should find or offer solutions, but ask if they have someone they can rely on or call to provide them with practical support such as helping with household tasks, meals, shopping or even taking them to their appointments with the doctor.  If they don’t have this support, then suggest that they see if they can find out what services and help may be available to them in their local community, or ask that with their permission you will try and find out for them. 
     
    Remember though, the focus shouldn’t always be on them and their Crohn’s.   As a friend they may like to talk about other things going on around them and in their life or your life, which can sometimes be a positive distraction from the illness, even if for a few moments.   

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