Mental Health Struggles Widespread Among Canadians Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Survey Finds
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) means facing an often hidden, yet challenging, reality. Those who suffer from this chronic condition endure a range of symptoms that can disrupt every part of their lives, from work and social outings to mental health. In Canada, about 300,000 people are currently living with IBD, and the number is expected to rise to approximately 470,000 by 2035, according to a 2023 report on the impact of IBD on Canada’s healthcare system. A recent survey commissioned by pharmaceutical company Takeda reveals the depth of the physical, social, and emotional impacts of IBD on Canadians and underscores the need for better mental health support.
The survey, part of Takeda’s “300,000 Reasons Why” campaign, sheds light on the realities of living with IBD, highlighting issues ranging from the daily struggles of living with unpredictable symptoms to challenges in accessing timely care. Importantly, the survey emphasizes a significant mental health burden, with two-thirds of Canadians living with IBD reporting mental health struggles as a direct result of their condition.
The Mental Health Impact of IBD: Anxiety, Isolation, and Social Barriers
For many Canadians with IBD, the disease is not only a physical battle but a mental and emotional one as well. The survey found that half of respondents reported anxiety due to their condition, and nearly 70 percent felt socially isolated, struggling with limitations in intimate relationships, connections with family and friends, and the ability to participate in regular activities. An overwhelming 90 percent of respondents reported that IBD has a direct impact on their productivity and leads to missed time at work or school.
One patient, Carla Bertelli from Calgary, Alberta, shared her experience of how the disease has affected her life. “During my last flare, I started feeling the full effect of this disease on my mental health — from losing my job, feelings of isolation, failed therapies, and the impact on my family. It was just all becoming too much,” Bertelli said in Takeda’s news release. She also expressed frustration over the lack of mental health support from her healthcare providers. “When I raised concerns with my doctor, no support or resources were provided — they weren’t equipped to treat the whole person.”
Understanding IBD: A Complex and Unpredictable Condition
Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses a range of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two primary forms are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both conditions cause symptoms that can vary widely among patients, including persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloody stools, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Complications outside the digestive system, such as joint pain and skin irritation, are also common. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which shares some similar symptoms, IBD involves systemic inflammation and is far more complex, affecting the whole body.
In Canada, IBD most commonly presents between the ages of 15 and 40, according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. This variability and complexity can make IBD difficult to diagnose and treat, contributing to a long journey to find effective, personalized care.
A Lack of Support for Mental Health in IBD Treatment
Takeda’s survey underscores an often-overlooked aspect of IBD: the mental health impact. While the physical symptoms of IBD are well-documented, there is a growing recognition of the need for mental health support as part of comprehensive IBD treatment. The survey found that three in four Canadians believe there is insufficient mental health support for those living with IBD, and 90 percent of IBD patients think mental health care should be integral to treatment.
Dr. Yvette Leung, an associate clinical professor of gastroenterology at the University of British Columbia, advocated for a holistic approach to patient care. “Investing in an integrated care approach will help us address all facets of patient care — from training physicians and nurses to identify symptoms earlier, to having robust treatment options that allow for personalized care and patient choice, to addressing the real need for psychological support associated with chronic diseases like IBD,” Leung stated.
Delays in Diagnosis and Access to Care Remain Significant Barriers
Alongside mental health challenges, many Canadians with IBD face barriers to timely diagnosis and access to effective treatment. According to the survey, three in four respondents reported challenges in accessing adequate medical care. Additionally, 70 percent said they had to try multiple medications before finding one that worked, and 81 percent reported worsened symptoms or other negative health impacts due to disease progression and lack of timely care.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Future of IBD Care in Canada
As the prevalence of IBD continues to rise in Canada, experts are calling for greater awareness and improvements in the standard of care for Canadian patients. Vatro Mateljic, General Manager of Takeda in Canada, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach. “As the prevalence of IBD is set to rise in Canada over the next decade, we hope that highlighting these key challenges can help shape and elevate the future of IBD care to meet the needs of Canadian patients,” Mateljic noted in the release.
The “300,000 Reasons Why” campaign, conducted through market research by Leger, surveyed 251 Canadians from August 21 to August 28, 2024, including 130 individuals living with IBD and 121 caregivers. By raising awareness of the multifaceted impact of IBD, the campaign aims to foster better understanding and drive improvements in both physical and mental health support for those affected.
The findings from Takeda’s survey are a clear reminder that IBD is not only a medical condition but a life-altering challenge that demands comprehensive care, mental health support, and broader public awareness to improve the quality of life for thousands of Canadians.
Source : Swifterdio.com
