26- What is my role with my IBD?

Ashley and Rebecca from The Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians talk about all things IBD-related. In this episode, we talk about keeping a balance with our healthy habits and how it can be challenging to incorporate necessary rest. Ashley discusses her days of being a runner and the strategy involved and Rebecca reflects on playing water polo and swimming in college.

We think about the origins of IBD and any illness. It is common to ask ourselves: what is my role in this? What is the cause of my disease? As patients, we want answers but have to remember with IBD it is difficult to pinpoint one specific cause. There are multiple risk factors and sometimes we just don't know exactly why we have IBD. Adding guilt and blame to the mix makes it more challenging. It is important to remember that we didn't cause our IBD but our daily choices and nutrition matter significantly. And those are things that are under our control! 

We also talk about the book The Happiness Trap and the questions you can ask yourself about certain beliefs and thoughts. Asking if these thoughts are true or helpful helps us to keep in mind that we don't have to respond to every fleeting thought. We end our talk today reflecting on how joy and celebrating other's happiness can feel vulnerable but is so rewarding!