Often times, patients are not prepared for the psychological issues that come along with a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Most patients who are diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis), face depression and/or anxiety at some point during their disease course. They often feel isolated and alone, and feel like no one could understand what they are going through unless they themselves have the same illness.

This handbook is intended to address some of the psychological issues that may accompany a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease as well as to give patients some coping strategies to enable them to live happy and successful lives with their illness.