How does stress affect IBD? We know that stress does not cause IBD, but it does affect the disease. How does IBD actually cause stress, and what can we do to balance our lives in such a way that it does not affect us in a negative way? I talk with my guest, Dr Taft, about how she advises patients with chronic diseases on relieving stress and the tips and tools that have worked for her and her patients in integrating a comprehensive stress relief program into daily life.

:28 The role of stress as it applies to IBD. (No, it's not "all in your head!")

1:40: Easy ways to get started on stress relief, even for people who aren't interested in it, and a reality check on how effective it is.

4:15: Some of the free apps that Dr Taft recommends for mindfulness and insomnia.

5:30: What is mindfulness?

7:45: How do I make mindfulness a habit?

11:22: But what does the research show about what stress relief techniques actually work for IBD?

13:52: Are there risks involved with trying stress relief techniques?

16:23: Stress doesn't cause IBD so why should stress relief factor into my treatment plan?

21:53: When do you need to look for more help when it comes to stress relief for IBD?

25:06: How treatment doesn't have to be long-term to be effective but could be more focused and short-term.

31:03: How do you find a therapist? How do you "try one out" to see if you are a fit? What should you look for in a therapist?

34:00: How do you know if you've found "Dr Right" or "Dr Wrong"?

Resources:

Does Stress Cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

https://www.verywell.com/does-stress-cause-inflammatory-bowel-disease-1942856

Do Most People With IBD Have A Mental Disorder?

https://www.verywell.com/do-people-with-ibd-have-mental-disorders-1943050

Is IBD Associated With Depression?

https://www.verywell.com/is-ibd-associated-with-depression-1942855

Featured Guest:

Dr Tiffany Taft, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, Oak Park Behavioral Medicine

• Blog: http://opbmed.blogspot.com/2017/08/breaking-100-chance-were-all-going-to.html
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opbmed/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/OPBMed
• Oak Park Behavioral Medicine: http://www.opbmed.com/
• Dr Taft's Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=taft+th

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• Verywell: https://www.verywell.com/ibd-crohns-colitis-4014703
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