Written by Dr. Antonia Repollet
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Certified School Psychologist
GI Psychology
When you hear the word “IBD,” it might sound like a secret code. But really, IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. That’s a big name for something happening inside your belly, in the part of your body called the digestive system. Your digestive system is like a long, twisty tube that takes food you eat, turns it into energy, and then helps your body get rid of what’s left over.
What Happens with IBD?
When someone has IBD, parts of their digestive system get red, swollen, and irritated on the inside. That’s called inflammation. Because of this, their belly might:
- Hurt or cramp
- Make them run to the bathroom quickly
- Feel tired more often
- Have trouble keeping food in (diarrhea) or sometimes get stuck (constipation)
There are two main types of IBD:
- Crohn’s disease – can affect any part of the digestive system, from mouth to bottom.
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) – affects only the large intestine (colon).
What IBD Is Not
- IBD is not contagious. You can’t catch it from your friends.
- It’s not anyone’s fault. Kids don’t get IBD because of something they did wrong.
- And it’s not the same as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). IBS can also cause tummy problems, but it doesn’t cause inflammation like IBD does.
How Do Doctors Help Kids with IBD?
Doctors who take care of IBD are called gastroenterologists (GI doctors). They may:
- Give medicines to calm down inflammation.
- Suggest foods that feel better on the tummy.
- Help kids rest and stay healthy during flares (when symptoms get stronger).
Sometimes kids also work with psychologists like me, who can teach calming tools for the brain–gut connection (things like breathing, relaxation, or even hypnosis!).
Living with IBD
Having IBD means some days can be harder than others. You might need to:
- Take more breaks for the bathroom.
- Rest when your body feels tired.
- Learn how to explain to teachers or friends what’s going on.
But here’s the good news: with the right care, support, and tools, kids with IBD can go to school, play sports, hang out with friends, and do all the things they enjoy.
Remember This!
If you have IBD, you’re not alone. Lots of kids and adults live with it (and I’m one of them!), and there are doctors, therapists, and teachers who want to help you feel better and do the things that matter most to you.
- Printable resources and tools to help you learn and feel supported
- Schedule a consultation with our team to see how GI Psychology can help
- Ask us questions: admin@gipsychology.com
Adults living with IBD can also benefit from dedicated psychological support—our IBD Psychotherapy Group is designed to provide tools, community, and evidence-based care for long-term resilience. Enroll today!