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I was diagnosed 10 years ago with ulcerative colitis. About a year after my Dx I became very upset. I became angry with anyone I was close to. My anger always had me asking God "Why me". After my anger was out I began to become very depressed. I wouldnt leave my house for days or weeks at a time. I would sleep all day and be awake at night as a way to avoid the others in my house. Then one day my mother came to me and stated that this was no way to live your life. My response was "my life is already over". After another year of hiding I began to notice I was having severe social anxiety. Being in any situation where their would be a group of people involved I would immediatly begin to have a panic attack and confined myself to my room again. After a week my mom approched me again and said "Amy you have every right In the world to be upset but dont let it ruin you". My mother suggested I see a therapist and begin medication. After a long discussion I said I would give it a try but if it wasnt better in a month I was not be going anymore. The first day of therapy I was a complete mess. I was afraid that the therapist would think I was crazy and try to lock me up somewhere. But the most amazing thing happened. As soon as I sat down and started telling my story I began to cry. This was the first I has cried in front of someone since my diagnosis. I was finally able to get all my emotions out. The therapist decided to put me on some Anxiety and depression medications. These medications have saved my life. For the first time in 10 years I feel like Im finaly living. I will no longer allow UC to control me 10 years was long enough l am Stronger than the disease.

 Reply posted for lins.

I'm in Paxil and ablify. After trying 8different meds these are the ones that work for me :)

 Reply posted for ambari.

Do you mind if I ask which depression and anti anxiety medication you take?  I'm on an enormous cocktail of medications for the UC and other chronic conditions: prednisone, colazol, canasa, anusol, nortriptyline, and questran.  Nothing works beyond giving me conflicting side effects.  Emotionally, I recognize that I'm in bad shape, but I don't want to add another medication that will exacerbate my symptoms.  I'm interested in hearing which medications work for other IBD suffers without making gastro symptoms worse.

 Reply posted for amymichelle819.

I can sooo relate to your story.  I was diagnosed with U.C about 13 years ago. I too went through the same emotions of anger, anxiety, and of course the "why me, God!"deal. But then something magical happened. I learned that I was not in control of anything in my life and I had to stop playing God. Therefore, I turned over everything and i mean everything to my Lord Jesus Christ. Problems solved. I will not say I am cured or that it has been a walk in the park. From time to time I have bad days and messy flare ups (embarassing) but I will say I now have a life that is full of peace, appreciation,a thankfull heart, and love for the simple things and the people i have been blessed with. For the most part I have been on Asacol and mesalamine (rectal enemas) during bad flare ups. This year, I went to see my general Dr. for something that would alleviate my anxiety. He prescribed Zoloft. I have to admit, it sat in my med cabinet about three weeks. I was scared for what people might think of me and for fear of addiction. I went ahead and took it.  it has been about three months. I cannot stress enough how this has helped me. It has diminished tremendously that sudden pain in the gut that we feel when placed in a stressfull situation followed by immediate trips to the bathroom. Had I known all of this; I would have taken this medication a very long time ago.

I hope this helps
God Bless

 Reply posted for amymichelle819.

Thank you for your post.  The timing couldn't be better.   My daughter was dx w/CD@4; she is now 14 and going through a tough time.  The psychiatrist had just recommended meds and I was very shaken by the idea (the black box warning is frightening, especially since she falls into the age group).  Thank you for sharing.  I will continue to consider the recommendation and of course, continue w/therapy!

Be well