Is Ulcerative Colitis Taking a Toll on Your Self-Esteem?

If you have ulcerative colitis, you’ve probably felt frustrated with your body at some point — especially when you’re in the middle of a flare.

Other complications of ulcerative colitis, such as the potential side effects of medication and body-altering surgeries, can also make life with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) difficult. Stigma and misconceptions of it being a “bathroom disease” can make things even worse.

Stephen Lupe, PsyD, a clinical health psychologist and the director of behavioral medicine in the department of gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, says that people with ulcerative colitis often feel their body has betrayed them.

There’s also the feeling of losing control, which can be devastating for a person’s self-esteem, says Berkeley Limketkai, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist and the director of clinical research at the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Los Angeles.

“A lot of what actually drives self-esteem and confidence is the feeling that there is control,” Dr. Limketkai says.

Some people may be able to maintain a healthy self-image throughout their journey with ulcerative colitis, but for many others, negative feelings about their body can persist.

So ask yourself, “Is ulcerative colitis holding me back, or do I not let it affect my body image?” Take this quiz to find out if your disease has changed your perception of yourself — and what you can do about it.