You’re not alone this World IBD Day

Marking the Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month in May, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is proud to celebrate its 35^th anniversary this year, marking more than three decades of support, advocacy and education for people living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis (UC) – collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – in the Australian community.

Crohn’s & Colitis Australia’s research findings from a national patient experience survey of IBD care revealed a high prevalence of
psychological distress among patients where 50% of those surveyed reported some level of distress.

This May, Associate Professor Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, wants Crohn’s and UC patients to know they are not alone.

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“We understand how difficult an IBD diagnosis can be. People living with IBD often don’t speak about their illness, choosing to hide an IBD diagnosis because they are too embarrassed to acknowledge living with this chronic disease. As a result, IBD patients can feel isolated and alone with no means of working through their feelings and articulating their struggles. This can lead to serious psychological wellbeing issues such as anxiety and depression in addition to battling the chronic physical symptoms.”

Professor Paul Pavli, an IBD Gastroenterologist and CCA board member said “Living with Crohn’s and colitis can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster at the best of times. Having reliable advice, links to reputable educational material and access to specific personal guidance to help with life in the time of COVID-19 is one of the many ways in which CCA supports the IBD community.”

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“The global theme for World IBD Day on Tuesday 19 May is ‘Work and IBD’. With the help of CCA and the talented IBD nurses around Australia, people living with these chronic illnesses can focus on creating full and rewarding working lives. Work is an essential part of leading a fulfilling  and engaged life; we’re committed to helping people get back to their professional passions,” said Associate Professor Raven.

This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is also celebrating the Year of the Nurse. The tireless work of all the IBD nurses across Australia is an embodiment of the ‘You’re Not Alone’ message.

“CCA would like to acknowledge and thank all the nurses who have chosen to specialise in IBD care. Without their professional expertise and knowledge, patients who play a key role in managing these serious chronic conditions simply wouldn’t have access to the holistic care and support they need to lead a fulfilling life,” said Raven.

Throughout May, CCA will work to raise awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, demonstrating to the 85,000 Australians diagnosed that they are not alone, that support is available, and that their diagnosis doesn’t have to define their life.

If you’ve been diagnosed with IBD, join a community that understands. For further information, or to donate, visit YOU’RE NOT ALONE or call 1800 138 029.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Share the Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month campaign during May and help us raise awareness on your social media pages. Be sure to use the following hashtags when you post about the campaign:

#MyIBDnurse
#WorldIBDday2020
#YoureNotAlone
#MakeIBDWork

CANCELLED ACTIVITIES

Please note, due to COVID-19 these awareness month activities have been cancelled this year.

• Shine a Light campaign – lighting up significant landmarks around Australia in purple, the international IBD awareness colour;
• Silver Lining Lunch – RACV City Club, Melbourne.