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Having IBD can provoke anger, frustration, guilt and other negative
emotions. Learning to recognize and manage these emotions is a part
of learning to deal with life’s challenges. The way you control and
deal with negative emotions can affect your mood and the moods of
others around you.
You might feel guilty because:
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You have to cancel plans
because you feel sick.
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Your medical bills are
higher than those of other family members.
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You were irritable and
lashed out at someone.
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You receive more attention than other friends or family.
There are many reasons to feel guilty, but few to keep the guilt.
Part of dealing with guilt is doing what you can to stay healthy and
understanding that sometimes you need extra help.
If you are doing your best
and still feel guilty, ask yourself the following:
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What do you feel guilty
about?
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Whom do you feel guilty
toward?
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Does that person actually
suffer from helping you or are you creating guilt for no reason?
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Can you do something
special for that person to show your appreciation?
Turn your guilt into a way
to make others happier. You can make someone feel good about helping
you by doing something special for that person in return.
“Why me?!” That’s a common
reaction to any challenge. Why not? Everyone has problems, and
you are no exception. That’s the hard truth. It’s amazing, though,
how the challenges you face can make you a much stronger person if
you choose to move beyond them.
Anger and frustration at having to deal with challenges is part of
the process. It’s frustrating to cut back on activities when
you’re sick, to give up favorite foods and to feel useless sometimes.
Don't lose the time. Use the time. Make sure you have someone to get
notes for missed classes or fill you in on the happenings at
work. Use your down time to daydream as much as you
want and to sleep as much as you can. Sick time is your time
whether you’re in bed, on the toilet or in the hospital.
Still angry or frustrated? Don't dwell on your negative emotions. If your reasons
are temporary (like if you’re having a flare-up and missing some fun
event), let it go and move on. Letting go is a choice you
make to stop thinking about your feelings when thinking is
getting you nowhere.
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