Living with IBD
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be very difficult.
Painful and debilitating symptoms, uncertainty about the future course of your disease, social isolation and learning to navigate the medical system can contribute to overall stress.
Stress itself can worsen IBD symptoms in some patients. It is important to find coping strategies that work for you and your loved ones while you learn to live with your disease.
Stress management
Everyone has different triggers that cause them to feel stressed. If you recognize you are feeling stressed, you can try:
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Making time for enjoyable hobbies
- A nutritious diet
- Talking to others about your stress
- Taking on fewer responsibilities
If you have concerns about your mental well-being, please speak with your family physician or your gastroenterologist.
Peer support
We offer two support groups for IBD patients at Mount Sinai Hospital, both co-facilitated by research nurse Brenda O'Connor and IBD social worker Erin Reeve-Newson. Both groups are open to anyone living with IBD, as well as family, friends and caregivers.
If you have any questions, would like to register for an upcoming session or want to be added to the email list, please reach out to Brenda O'Connor at brenda.o'[email protected] or call 416-586-4800 ext. 8349.
Evening education speaker group
We host educational talks and informal peer support discussions for individuals living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Meetings are held bimonthly on the last Monday of January, March, May, September and November. Each meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the 18th-floor Auditorium at Mount Sinai Hospital. A hybrid format is available with a Zoom link option.
Next session
Date and Time: Monday, January 26, 2026, 7 p.m. (virtual only)
Topic: Relationships, Parenting and Family Life with IBD
Format: Panel discussion with individuals living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis sharing real-life experiences and strategies.
Zoom link: Join Zoom Meeting
- Meeting ID: 965 7912 3003
- Passcode: 307424
Upcoming dates:
- January 26 (virtual only)
- March 30 (virtual only)
- May 25
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, please email brenda.o'[email protected] or call 416-586-4800 ext. 8349.
Daytime support group
Our daytime group meets in person once a month at Mount Sinai with a primary focus on providing peer support for those living with IBD.
Location: 18th-floor Auditorium, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates (2025-2026):
- January 26
- February 25
- March 25
- April 29
- May 27
- June 24
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, please email brenda.o'[email protected] or call 416-586-4800 ext. 8349.
Tips for caregivers
Caring for someone with IBD can be overwhelming, especially at first. Here are some tips for how to cope:
- Listen without offering judgment or advice
- Acknowledge how difficult it is to have IBD
- Do not overwhelm yourself with information near the beginning of a diagnosis; consider what information you need and when you need it
- Find someone to talk to if you are feeling isolated, anxious or depressed
- Make time for fulfilling activities such as yoga, reading, music, painting or hiking
Resources
Crohn's and Colitis Canada has a wealth of educational information, inspiring stories and ways to find support.
Ostomy Toronto provides education, stories and peer connection for its members.