Today marks World IBD Day, a global initiative raising awareness for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
IBD is a lifelong, chronic illness that affects the digestive system, causing inflammation, pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. While these conditions are often invisible to others, the impact on quality of life can be significant.
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Australia: IBD State of the Nation Report, over 179,000 Australians are currently living with IBD, and this number is steadily rising, particularly among younger people. Many are too ashamed to talk about it, which is why Crohn’s & Colitis Australia are urging the nation to #shattertheIBDsilence and confront the stigma head on to support investment in research and earlier diagnosis to improve patient outcomes.
Michelle Hobson, who recently shared her personal journey to diagnosis with Ulcerative Colitis in a recent article (read here From misdiagnosis to thriving: Michelle Hobson’s journey with IBD | Queensland Country Health Fund), is an active advocate for IBD awareness, author of The Ultimate IBD Handbook, and volunteer facilitator for the Townsville Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group. She says World IBD Day is a great opportunity to start conversations about IBD, make yourself aware of IBD symptoms, and gain a greater understanding of how you can support a loved one with IBD.
“We’re generally not comfortable talking about toilet habits,” Michelle says. “But that stigma can be dangerous. The earlier people recognise the signs of IBD and seek help, the better their health outcomes can be.”
IBD symptoms can vary, but common signs include ongoing abdominal pain, diarrhoea (often with blood or mucus), weight loss, fatigue, and extreme urgency to go to the toilet. Fatigue, joint pain, and mental health challenges are common but often invisible symptoms. This can make it harder for others to understand what someone with IBD is going through.
“One of the most difficult parts of living with IBD is that it often doesn’t look like illness from the outside and people can struggle to understand just how debilitating the symptoms can be,” Michelle explains.
“People mean well when they say things like ‘I’ve had gastro too’ or ‘maybe it’s just IBS,’” she says. “But IBD is serious and chronic, it’s not something you can cure with dietary changes.”
For family and friends supporting a loved one with IBD, Michelle recommends listening and learning:
- Be patient with fluctuating energy levels and social plans
- Avoid comparing IBD to temporary digestive issues
- Offer practical help when symptoms flare—meals, transport, or simply a quiet chat
- Ask what support looks like for them—it’s different for everyone
“While I’m not a medical professional, I spent over nine years navigating the health care system to reach a diagnosis and commence treatment,” she says.
“The more we normalise talking about IBD and advocate for research and care, the better patient outcomes will be. This World IBD Day, I urge everyone to join us in some toilet talk and flush away the stigma to support people living with inflammatory bowel disease.”
For more information or to find support, visit:
Sources:
https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/advocacy/our-projects/ibd-state-of-the-nation/