How to Cope With a Crohn’s Disease Flare Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Taking Control of Crohn’s Crohn's Disease 12 Ways to Ride Out a Crohn s Flare One woman shares her best tips for coping with the symptoms — physical and emotional — of a flare. By Sarah Choueiry SimkinMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: November 20, 2020 Medically Reviewed During a flare, you just have to "feel all the feels," says IBD advocate Sarah Choueiry.iStock I’ve had Crohn’s disease for more than 20 years, and yet, the first thing I feel when I get a flare is defeat. As grateful as I am for a healthy marriage, two small children, and a career as a speech and language pathologist, it’s hard not to feel defeated. I know what a flare could mean for my immediate future: a middle-of-the-night run to the emergency room. A weeks-long hospital stay. I’ve taken meds. I’ve had surgery to remove my bowels. I’ve been given IVs, and I remember the poking, the prodding. But as disheartened as I feel, the one thing that always stands true — that helps me face every flare — is that I always make it through. With every flare, I dig a bit deeper and love myself a little more. I learn how to work my way through it. And what I’ve learned is this: You can’t skip a flare, as much as you may want to. You just have to feel all the feels that come with it. Take it from me: The sooner you accept your feelings, the faster you will heal. But the harder you fight it — the more you resist, the longer you hold in all that anger and frustration — the sicker you will feel. Beating a flare takes work and, above all, self-love. Here are a few things I do to cope with my emotions during a flare that may work for you. 12 Ways To Ride Out A Crohn' s Flare 1. Write down thoughts in a journal. I’m not shy or censored. I just get all those emotions out of my head and onto paper.2. Meditate. It’s hard for me to do silent meditation when I’m in a flare, so I use More in Crohn' s Disease TippiTV An Inspiring New Series for People Living With Crohn' s How to Find Relief During a Crohn s Flare Why Stopping Medication for Crohn s Disease Is Risky What to Expect if You re Getting a Routine Colonoscopy for Crohn s NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Crohn' s Disease Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges