Ulcerative Colitis Support Groups

For you or someone you care for, ulcerative colitis can be a frustrating disease to deal with. You may be interested in an ulcerative colitis support group. Sometimes it is helpful just to know that you are not alone and that there are other people who care. For ulcerative colitis sufferers, discussing symptoms, tests and treatment options may cause embarrassment. But an ulcerative colitis support group is made up of people who have had the same or similar experiences.

Chronic disease can lead to depression and/or anxiety. Many doctors who care for ulcerative colitis patients advise counseling and/or an ulcerative colitis support group. If your physician or your family member's physician does not have information concerning support, you can find it on the web. Some people resist the idea of counseling or an ulcerative colitis support group, but both can be very helpful. Even just chatting with others who care for ulcerative colitis patients can be helpful. And, if you have had the disease for some time, you may be able to offer insight to those who are newly diagnosed. The following are just a few of the many programs you may find interesting and helpful.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is a non-profit organization that provides education about care for ulcerative colitis, funds research studies, holds an ulcerative colitis support group for patients and their families and sponsors activities for members. The CCFA currently has over 50,000 members and 40 chapters nationwide. At their website, you can learn more about the disease and connect with a local ulcerative colitis support group or learn about current research, options for medications and care for ulcerative colitis. The website address is http://www.ccfa.org.

If you live in New Zealand, there is the Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Support Group (CCSG). The CCSG provides advice, information and educational material about care for ulcerative colitis. It is the largest group in New Zealand. They offer newsletters, a specialist library and a community contact service among other things. There website address is http://www.ccsg.org.nz.

There is the Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Support Group Australia, which offers members a forum for on-line discussion, games, recipes, information about care for ulcerative colitis and a support site for those who have had surgery or will need surgery. It is a very nice site and has live chat. That website address is http://pub15.ezboard.com.

Most healthcare professionals believe that support groups are important for anyone who suffers from any chronic disease, as well as their family members. Finding an ulcerative colitis support group could decrease the likelihood that you will become depressed and may decrease anxiety. While anxiety is not believed to cause the disease, it is believed to aggravate symptoms. It also may be helpful to learn about different treatment options and methods of care for ulcerative colitis patients.

For more information about ulcerative colitis and other digestive disorders, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.