6 Amazing Ways to Help Someone with IBD!

World IBD Day is on May 19, so in lieu of spreading awareness, I thought it would be great to talk about ways you can help someone with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  That’s right, if you have Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Microscopic Colitis or any other form of IBD, help is always appreciated! 

Fatigue, chronic pain and dreaded urgency can really cripple someone with IBD from completing daily tasks, let alone any extra life responsibilities.  So here are some awesome ways you can offer some much needed help:

1. Offer to do Groceries!

There are days when the fatigue is overwhelming.  And when you are depleted and barely have the energy to get dressed, doing groceries becomes one of the most daunting and stressful tasks. 

So if you are available, offering to do groceries for someone with IBD would be the equivalent of telling them they won the lottery.  Holy moly what a weight off their shoulders!  This is a fantastic way to be of service!  Ask for their grocery list and hit up the store!

2. Help with cleaning!

Yup, we all dislike cleaning and organizing our homes.  Doing dishes, vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, doing laundry are all things that we would prefer not to do.  But even more so when someone is suffering from a chronic illness.  Again, fatigue, pain and constant digestive distress makes these tasks almost impossible, especially if a flare is occurring. 

So if you want to be an angel and truly help, offer to come over and help with household chores.  I know for me, whenever my place got a little out of hand, it was simply because I was too sick to do it.  And especially if you have IBD and live on your own, help in anyway shape or form is heaven-sent. 

3. Ease up the errands!

Everyone has a list of errands they have to do.  Whether it’s taking the dog to get groomed, getting your pants dry-cleaned, picking up a prescription or returning an item at a store, we most definitely all have a list. 

Want to help?  Ask for an errand you can help with and watch us gush with appreciation.

4. Check in!

A simple call, text or drop in at home makes a world’s difference.  When you don’t hear from someone with IBD for a while, it’s because they are flaring.  Their symptoms are in high gear and they are trying their best to do the bare minimum at home, so socializing takes a back seat real quick. 

Take the time to reach out and simply let them know that you are thinking of them and are available if they need anything.  This gesture always means so much, so don’t ever stop checking in.  IBD can get lonely, really fast.

5. Offer a gift card.

Oh yes, generosity is a privilege.  If you are able, and can offer a gift card of some sort, maybe from Target, or Amazon, boy would that be a beautiful gesture to offer someone struggling with IBD. 

The harsh reality that IBDrs deal with, is that working full-time is hard.  Everyone with a chronic illness is usually financially stressed in some way, because they cannot work full-time or they are working full-time and trying to pay off medical bills or keeping up with paying for expensive medication. 

Offer a gift card for any amount.  They will be overwhelmed by your generosity. 

6. Be kind!

This is so important!  Overall, if there is anything we all can do for someone with IBD, is to be kind.  Be compassionate.  Be patient. 

IBD is a serious Autoimmune Disease that is horrific and debilitating.  On the outside, it seems like things are okay, but the truth is, you don’t know the half of it.  You may see a fellow IBDr for a couple hours of the day and they look fine, but little do you know the strength it took them to get there. 

Typically mornings are plagued with pain, vomiting and urgent bathroom visits.  They have to either wake up early to make it to work on time, or they plan their days so that mornings are free.  While out and about, chronic pain is usual and they can hold a conversation with someone while experiencing constant gnawing and discomfort in their digestive system. 

Basically, don’t be harsh.  Don’t judge.  If dinner or lunch is canceled last minute, understand it’s nothing personal.  IBD is very unpredictable, and someone suffering from it is simply trying their best to function normally. 

So be kind.  Be understanding, and always come from a place of love.

Do you know someone with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?  If so, use this list to offer them help!  Pick up the phone and let them know they can count on you.  It will mean the world to them.

Can you think of more ways to help someone with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?  Comment below, let’s share!

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