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Is it normal to cry during ulcerative colitis flares at age 24?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 24-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis, and during severe flare-ups, the pain, urgency, and exhaustion can become overwhelming. Is it normal to cry on the toilet during flares at 24?

Sometimes I feel ridiculous afterward, but in the moment, it feels like my body is completely out of control.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Avinash Choudhary

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

First, it is important to know that stress can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as managing the physical symptoms during flare-ups.

Feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, or even crying during severe flare-ups are understandable and can be a natural human response to the pain, discomfort, and loss of control associated with a chronic illness. Many individuals with ulcerative colitis experience emotional distress during periods of disease exacerbation.

However, if emotional difficulties begin to significantly affect your personal, social, or professional life, or if you experience persistent anxiety, depression, or emotional crises, seeking professional help is advisable. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and, when appropriate, medication can be beneficial.

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and managing stress may help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Chronic stress can negatively affect overall health and may contribute to symptom worsening.

Practices such as meditation, light physical activity, talking with trusted family members or friends, deep-breathing exercises, and Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation can be helpful during periods of emotional distress.

I hope this information helps.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 23, 2026
Reviewed At July 23, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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