How to Support a Loved One Living with a Chronic GI Condition

If you have a family member or friend with a chronic GI condition it can be challenging to know how to support them best. Whether it is a new diagnosis or one that your loved one has been living with for a while, these conditions usually entail some level of emotional and physical challenges that may make it hard for the individual to get through their day. Here are some tips to help you support your loved ones to help them better cope with their symptoms and live life to the fullest.

Accepting Emotions

If someone close to you was just diagnosed with a chronic GI condition, there may be many different feelings about this new diagnosis. Guilt, grief, and worry are all common feelings as this person navigates a new diagnosis and learns about how it may alter their daily life.  They may be wondering if they did something to cause their condition. They may be overwhelmed with all the different treatment options and information that they are hearing. All of these feelings are normal and it is important to be understanding towards their emotions. 

Educate Yourself

One of the most meaningful ways to support a loved one is to learn as much as you can about their GI condition. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can differ in their causes, treatments, and long-term implications, but they often share overlapping symptoms and daily challenges. Some conditions involve ongoing inflammation, others are related to immune responses, food sensitivities, or gut–brain interactions, and each person’s experience can vary widely.

Common symptoms across many chronic GI conditions may include abdominal pain, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, difficulty eating certain foods, or discomfort that fluctuates over time. Symptoms can worsen during periods of increased disease activity or stress, making it harder for someone to participate fully in work, school, or social activities. Asking your loved one about their specific condition and how it affects their daily life can help you better understand their experience. Recognizing the unpredictable and often invisible nature of chronic GI conditions can allow you to offer more informed, compassionate support, especially during more challenging periods.

Know the difference between IBD and IBS   

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)  and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sound like very similar conditions, however, there are some striking differences. IBD is characterized by chronic life-long inflammation of the intestinal tract that could result in lasting damage and an increased risk of colon cancer. In contrast, IBS is a collection of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be distressing but is not characterized by inflammation or damage in the intestines.

Becasue IBD is a chronic inflammatory disease without a known cure, it often requires long-term management with medication.  IBS symptoms, on the other hand, are frequently managed through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and symptom-focused therapies. Importantly, some individuals with IBD may also experience IBS-type symptoms that are not directly related to active inflammation. 

Keeping this distinction in mind is essential when supporting someone with IBD. Occasional digestive discomfort or IBS-like symptoms, whether experienced personally or by others, should not be equated with living with IBD. Even among people with the same diagnosis, experiences can vary widely, and a treatment that works well for one person may not work for another. Avoiding comparisons helps ensure support is informed, respectful, and responsive to the individual’s unique experience. 

Lend a Supportive Ear

Living with a chronic GI condition can come with an emotional burden. Depression and anxiety are common among those living with a chronic illness. Showing empathy or active listening without judgment can be a great source of support for your loved one. Let them know you are available to listen to them and will offer support in whatever way they need.

Be Compassionate

Put yourself in your loved one’s shoes and imagine what it is like living with an unpredictable condition. Be understanding about canceled plans. Have patience and realize that symptoms can come on unexpectedly and without warning leaving your loved one with no choice but to change their daily plan. 

Ask How You Can Best Support Them

Ask your loved one about their experience and how it has impacted their lives.  Inquire often about how your loved one is doing.  They may look ok from the outside but may be experiencing some invisible symptoms and need more support. The best person to ask about how best to support them is the patient themselves. If you aren’t sure how to help, just ask them what would be best.  Sometimes, they may not know what they need, but just knowing that someone cares enough to ask is important to them. 

General Tips to Offer Support:

• Attend a doctor’s visit with your loved one to help take notes or just be supportive.
• Help plan ahead if going to a new location with them. Locate the restrooms in case an emergency strikes or help pack an extra set of clothes or some hygiene products like wipes if needed. 
• During a flare-up, it may be hard for your loved one to complete daily tasks such as grocery shopping, laundry, or walking their dog. Offer help with errands, chores, or meal-making if you know they are having a hard day. 
• Be sensitive to their specific dietary needs. If you are planning to dine with your loved one, or are hosting them at your house, try to be accommodating and understanding about their unique dietary restrictions. 

How parents can best support their children

Being a parent of a young one can present itself with its unique challenges. Those feelings of guilt and wondering what caused this condition can be very valid. Ensuring yourself and your child that this diagnosis was not your fault is very important for the overall mental well-being of the whole family. Some additional ways to help support your child include:

• Support them academically by ensuring a 504 plan is in place and updated yearly.  Even if your child is in remission without symptoms, this plan ensures they will have the support they need to succeed in school when a flare or an unpredictable event occurs. 
• Support them socially by encouraging them to talk to their friends about their condition. Having their peers understand their diagnosis will help them feel more comfortable if they need to change plans or are not able to participate in eating a particular food at an event. 
• Support them mentally by discussing with their doctor whether seeing a mental health provider would be of benefit to your child. 
• Help your child connect with other children with a similar diagnosis so they know they are not alone in what they are experiencing. 
• Find a role model, such as a celebrity or a sports figure, who is also living with a similar GI condition to show your child that living a normal life is very possible. 

Take care of yourself

Lastly, if you are a direct caregiver, make sure you are taking care of yourself. You can find support through a caregiver or support group. Don’t neglect your needs as it is critical for you to maintain a healthy balance in your life to help better support your loved one when they need you the most.

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