For Families¶
If someone you love lives with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, celiac disease, or another gut condition, you've probably seen how much it affects more than their stomach: their energy, their mood, their plans, and how much they want to talk about it. This page explains how this book can help you understand what they're going through.
Welcome, families
Gut conditions are hard to talk about, and that's exactly why understanding the science helps. You don't need a biology background to use this book.
Where to start¶
| If your teen has... | Start with |
|---|---|
| Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis | Chapter 9: Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Chapter 11: Anxiety, Depression, and the Gut |
| IBS or "functional" stomach pain | Chapter 10: IBS and Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and Chapter 8: Pain, Sensitivity, and the Gut |
| Celiac disease or food reactions | Chapter 12: Celiac Disease and Food Reactions |
| Stress-related stomach symptoms | Chapter 7: Stress and the Gut |
| A lot of questions about supplements or diets | The Hype Meter, Chapter 16, and Chapter 20 |
Every chapter has a For families box with practical points, and Chapter 19: Culture, Food, Family, and Stigma is written for whole families, including how to talk about gut and mental health across generations.
A few things the science says clearly¶
- Gut symptoms and mood often travel together, in both directions. That doesn't mean the symptoms are "all in their head," and it doesn't mean stress caused their disease.
- Pain can be real even when tests are normal. In disorders of gut-brain interaction like IBS, the nerves and the brain process gut signals differently.
- Fatigue during a flare is biological. Inflammation sends signals to the brain that can cause tiredness and low mood, and anemia, poor sleep, and mood can add to it.
- Most "gut-healing" products haven't been tested well. Ask the care team before trying anything.
How to help¶
- Ask what kind of support they want before giving advice.
- Keep doctor visits a team effort, and let your teen ask their own questions. The printable Questions to Ask Your Doctor can help.
- Treat mental health as part of gut care, not separate from it.
- Learn about school accommodations such as a 504 plan (see Chapter 19).
If you or your teen are struggling right now
If someone is thinking about suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (in the US), or go to the nearest emergency room. Outside the US, you can find a helpline at findahelpline.com.
This book is for education only and is not medical advice. Always follow your care team's guidance.