Social and Emotional Impact
While physical growth and development are an ongoing process for children, emotional and social growth is occurring at the same time. How children interact, learn and develop emotionally is vitally important to their overall well-being.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be severe and sudden. They often interfere with physical activity and can cause children to feel tired and depleted. They can also be a source of shame for children who have not yet learned how to comfortably discuss their condition with others.
Growth problems, symptoms, and a general depression about their condition can affect the way children interact with peers, friends, and family. They may be reluctant to participate in school or suffer from mood swings due to the medication they are taking or because of symptoms.
Children sometimes blame themselves for their disease and therefore see themselves as a burden on the family. They may wonder “Why me?” It is important for family members, teachers, and others who are in a position to guide and help a child with Crohn’s to understand what it feels like to be a child with Crohn’s.
Children with Crohn’s disease may experience:
- Fear of being teased by classmates over their condition, dietary needs, or physical appearance
- Embarrassment over frequent need to use the bathroom
- Insecurity regarding physical appearance or limitations
- Changes in ability to concentrate on schoolwork
- Delayed sexual development, resulting in low self-esteem and insecurity
- Peer pressure/problems resulting from a feeling of being different, inadequate, or out of the “group”
It is important to maintain good communication with your child about his or her feelings and experiences so that you can find ways to cope with the pressures of Crohn’s disease as a family.
Also, take time to talk to your child’s teachers. See if a teacher has made any observations about the way your child and his or her classmates relate to each other or if there have been changes in his or her academic performance. Perhaps the teacher can help find a constructive way for your child to discuss his or her condition with classmates and get past some of the awkwardness that results from dealing with Crohn’s disease.
Next: Impact on the Family
