Pediatric Crohn’s and Self-Esteem

Crohn’s disease can have an impact on a child’s self-esteem. Dealing with the physical symptoms of Crohn’s can sometimes lead to embarrassment, frustration, insecurity, and even depression.  

The following are some of the social and emotional responses that the physical effects of pediatric Crohn’s can sometimes cause:

• Mood swings associated with medications and the illness itself.  
• Tendency for the child to blame him- or herself for the disease. 
• A sense that they are different from everyone else. Children may feel embarrassment over their symptoms and special needs at school or the fact that they may be smaller and thinner than other kids their age.  
• Frustration and anger over possible physical limitations and inability to "keep up" with other children.  
• Inability to concentrate because of the pain and fatigue of Crohn’s. This can lead to withdrawal, depression, anger, low self-esteem, and lack of interest and motivation.  
• Isolation from classmates, family members, or friends because of changes in mood or appearance.  

Helping your child cope

Your child depends on you for emotional guidance and support. As a parent of a child with Crohn’s, there are some things you can do — and things you may want to avoid — when helping your child cope with his or her illness, such as the following:  

• Try not to be overly protective. This can sometimes cause tension between you and your child.
• Foster your child’s independence. For example, encourage your child take charge of his or her medical routine. This includes taking medicine and calling the doctor when necessary.
• Typical symptoms of Crohn’s include slowed growth and reduced appetite, so try not to be alarmed if your child is losing weight or eating poorly.   Instead, you can promote growth and strength by helping your child maintain a healthy diet suited to his or her needs.
• Allow your child to open up about any fears or anxiety they may have about their disease.  In addition, you and your child should team up with his or her healthcare team. That way, you can both discuss your concerns with experienced professionals.

If your child shows more serious emotional responses, such as depression, social isolation, or inability or reluctance to go to school, it may be helpful to consult a counselor or child psychologist.  

Get control of symptoms

Because your child is in a crucial stage of physical and emotional development, it is important to try to curb symptoms before they have lasting effects on your child’s well-being. REMICADE helps control this underlying cause of inflammation and can help get your child back to feeling better in as little as two weeks.  

A recent, yearlong study of patients with moderate to severe pediatric Crohn’s who started treatment with REMICADE showed the following:  

• Rapid symptom improvement, or "response"
• Long-term periods of no symptoms or very few symptoms, or "remission"
• Reduction or elimination of steroid use

Treatment with REMICADE can help control the inflammation that causes your child’s symptoms.   By getting control of symptoms, your child can worry less about feeling sick and get back to doing things he or she likes to do. Talk to your child’s doctor about treatment with REMICADE.