Emotional Impact on Young People
Although the disease can occur at any age, IBD has a peak in people between the ages of 15 and 30. Since adolescence is already a time of much transition, the emotional impact of a chronic illness diagnosis for young people can be very significant.
As youth seek to be more independent, their illness may impose a dependence on family and healthcare providers to help them adjust. Emotional challenges, especially denial of their disease, may be more prominent in young people than adults.
Plus, since bowel movements are not normal conversation topics, it can be much harder for teens to discuss (and feel comfortable with) the nature of their disease.
For more resources for young people living with IBD, check out our Youth Education Series.