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Managing your mental health and IBD

In this Gutsy Learning Series (GLS) webinar, Dr. Dean Tripp and lived experience speaker Arielle Thompson explored how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect mental health, and how stress and anxiety can, in turn, influence symptoms.

The session covered practical approaches to supporting mental health, identifying early signs of distress, and developing coping strategies for patients and caregivers. Speakers also shared resources and insights on reducing stigma and creating supportive spaces for those living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.


Speaker bio

Dr. Dean Tripp

Dr. Dean Tripp
Professor of Psychology, Anesthesiology, and Urology
Queen's University, Toronto

Dr. Dean Tripp is a Professor of Psychology, Anesthesiology, and Urology at Queen’s University, where he has worked for over 20 years. His research focuses on understanding how mental health and physical pain are connected, especially in people with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, as well as conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Tripp also chairs Queen’s Health Sciences Research Ethics Board and serves on national committees that guide research ethics and clinical trials in Canada.

Alongside his academic work, Dr. Tripp has coached Olympic and professional athletes, including members of the Ottawa Senators hockey team, on mental performance and resilience.

He has published more than 100 scientific papers and presented his work around the world on topics such as chronic pain, mental health, trauma, depression, and healthy coping. Dr. Tripp has received multiple teaching awards for his leadership and dedication to education, and he continues to be active in research, teaching, and mentoring at Queen’s University.

Lived experience speaker

Arielle Thompson

Arielle Thompson
Mental health advocate, 
Master of Social Work student

Arielle Thompson is a mental health advocate and Master of Social Work student with lived experience navigating life with IBD. Drawing from both personal insight and professional training, Arielle speaks about the complex intersections between chronic illness and mental health. Her work centers on building compassionate, trauma-informed spaces where invisible illnesses are recognized; pain and grief are openly discussed, as well as other emotional realities of IBD.

Back

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

Other Areas of Interest

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