You can find a support group for Crohn’s disease in person or online. Some resources may provide tailored support to specific cultural groups.

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be challenging. If you live with Crohn’s, you may find that the condition affects your overall quality of life. People with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s, are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression than people without.

Finding a support group, a group of people who have Crohn’s and understand what you are going through, may empower you to find strength, face challenges, and improve your quality of life. Whether in-person or online, these groups may offer support in various ways: Informational, emotional, esteem, network, or even tangible.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of support available and where to find it.

You may have a very supportive spouse, friend, or family member, but they can’t know what it’s like to have Crohn’s disease unless they also have it. Someone else who has received the diagnosis and experienced the symptoms can better understand what you mean when you explain your daily life with Crohn’s.

A support group provides opportunities to meet new people and talk about mutual issues. Members share experiences, knowledge, and coping mechanisms, helping each other to manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety that may come with a Crohn’s diagnosis. Because anxiety and depression are risk factors for flares, participating in a support group may positively affect how you manage the condition.

People who join support groups have reported better quality of life and improved ways of managing Crohn’s. You realize that you are not alone and that there are strategies for working through issues.

Traditional support groups involve in-person meetings where people usually discuss how they manage Crohn’s. In this type of support group, you will interact face-to-face with people who have experienced symptoms similar to yours.

Some groups bring in specialized speakers, such as local doctors and nutritionists, to provide members with different strategies for managing their condition. Some groups are guided by psychologists with particular experience working with individuals with Crohn’s.

Traditional groups provide you with a local network that can offer all types of support. Group meetings offer opportunities for social interaction in a safe space. Traditional groups may also offer opportunities for fundraising and volunteering.

For some people living with Crohn’s, an online support group may be a better fit. Online groups don’t require travel and allow you to post messages at any time of the day. You may also have an easier time finding someone with similar circumstances to your own.

Like traditional groups, online support groups are a great way to find people to share your experiences with and discuss coping strategies.

Online support groups tend to offer mostly informational and emotional support. They may also help with self-esteem and building a support network. Some support groups may also provide educational support, including lectures from healthcare professionals on topics such as exercise and diet.

You can participate in an online support group offered through a national agency, such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis. These groups are reputable organizations, but you’ll still want to be cautious when forming friendships and giving out personal information. Use any online support group with caution, and be aware that some members may post inaccurate information.

If you are interested in finding a local support group, your gastroenterologist’s office may be a good first place to start. Calling local hospitals may also be an option, as hospitals may sponsor support groups and provide meeting rooms for members.

You can also try researching a support group through national Crohn’s organizations to see if there is a chapter in your area. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has chapters all across the United States that offer support groups and activities. Similarly, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and Crohn’s and Colitis Australia offer support groups for people in those countries.

You can also consider joining Healthline’s Bezzy IBD community for meaningful connections with other people with IBD.

If joining a culturally competent community is important to you, some groups provide support for specific cultural groups. These can include:

  • Color of Crohn’s and Chronic Illness is a community for Black and Indigenous People of Color.
  • IBDesis supports the South Asian community.
  • Girls with Guts offers support to women with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, focusing on esteem and networking.
  • The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation also offers Facebook groups for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Taking care of your mental health is important in managing Crohn’s disease. Anxiety and depression may take a toll on your physical health and increase your chances of having a flare. Finding the right support group may be an important part of a holistic approach to living with Crohn’s.

Beyond the potential health benefits, support groups offer valuable information, network connections, social opportunities, and tangible support. Talk with your doctor to see if a local or online support group will complement your treatment plan.