Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The severity of symptoms can vary, and the condition often flares up unexpectedly, which makes everyday life more difficult.

This disease can interfere with work, social life, and daily routines. However, having a strong support system may help reduce stress, and in turn, reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Support Services for People With Crohn’s Disease

Support for Crohn’s disease comes in many forms. Below are some emotional, financial, practical, educational, and demographic-specific support options that may help you cope.

Emotional Support

  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: Offers national support groups, including specialized groups for caregivers, ostomy patients, men, women, and others. Their “Power of Two” program pairs you with a trained mentor who understands what it’s like to live with Crohn’s disease.

  • Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Companion: Helps patients find trustworthy support communities, including social media groups.

  • Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis: Hosts monthly virtual support groups for patients, caregivers, and even siblings or children of those living with IBD.

  • Mental health support: Licensed professionals such as therapists or psychologists can provide coping tools to manage emotional stress. You can ask your healthcare provider for referrals or search online for a provider.

Financial Support

Managing Crohn’s disease can be expensive, but several organizations offer help:

  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: Provides resources on insurance coverage, co-pay cards, scholarship opportunities, and medication assistance programs.

  • Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program: Helps cover costs such as medication, doctor visits, and insurance premiums.

  • Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation: Offers periodic financial aid for medication. Check the website frequently to see when funds become available.

  • NeedyMeds: Connects individuals with programs that reduce prescription and medical costs.

  • Meals on Wheels: For those facing financial hardship or unable to cook due to symptoms, this service provides delivered, nutritious meals to eligible individuals.

Practical Support

Living with Crohn’s means adapting to unpredictable challenges. These tools and resources can help:

  • We Can’t Wait App: Locates nearby restrooms quickly, useful in emergencies.

  • Traveling with IBD Guides: Offer tips on packing medications, TSA rules, finding bathrooms during travel, and managing symptoms away from home.

Educational Support

Learning about your condition can give you confidence and control:

  • United Ostomy Associates of America: Offers educational materials and support for those undergoing or recovering from ostomy surgery.

  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Provides detailed, expert-reviewed information on treatment and surgical options.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Shares comprehensive, evidence-based information about Crohn’s and chronic inflammatory conditions.

  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Provides current research-based materials on Crohn’s causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Demographic-Specific Support

Some communities offer specialized support based on cultural background or life stage:

  • Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Focuses on the experiences of people of color with Crohn’s disease.

  • South Asian IBD Alliance: Supports South Asian patients through its IBDesis Patient Support Group.

  • Just Like Me: Connects teenagers living with IBD to peers with similar experiences.

  • Campus Connection: Provides support for college students managing Crohn’s while pursuing their education.

How To Find Support

Through Healthcare Providers

Your medical team is a great starting point. Ask your doctor or hospital staff about local support groups, social workers, or patient navigators. These professionals can connect you to financial, emotional, and practical support services.

Online Searches

Use search engines with keywords like “Crohn’s disease support group” and your location. You can also try terms like “IBD financial help” with your state or ZIP code. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can also guide you to supportive communities. Just remember, online advice should never replace professional medical guidance.

If you don’t have internet access at home, public libraries usually offer free internet services for searches.

Affordable Support

Many resources are free or offer discounted services based on income. You can:

  • Ask about sliding-scale fees or financial aid when contacting support services

  • Inquire whether your insurance covers mental health or nutrition services

  • Visit community health centers or health departments for lower-cost care

  • Explore telehealth options, which can be more affordable than in-person care

Why Finding Support Is Important

Living with Crohn’s doesn’t only affect the body—it also impacts emotional and mental well-being. Many individuals with Crohn’s experience depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress due to unpredictable flare-ups and hospitalizations.

Financial stress is also common. People with inflammatory bowel diseases often face healthcare expenses that are significantly higher than average, including frequent medications, treatments, and insurance costs.

Having strong emotional and practical support can dramatically improve your day-to-day life and outlook.

How To Support Someone With Crohn’s Disease

If you’re supporting someone with Crohn’s, here are a few meaningful ways to help:

  • Learn about the condition to better understand what they’re experiencing

  • Be patient and flexible with plans—they may cancel due to symptoms

  • Respect dietary restrictions and help with food choices when eating together

  • Locate restrooms in public spaces to reduce their anxiety

  • Offer assistance during flare-ups with tasks like errands or driving

  • Listen with empathy and avoid judgment

  • Let them decide how much to share with others

  • Advocate on their behalf in social or work environments

  • Celebrate the good days and enjoy moments of remission together

A Quick Review

Support for Crohn’s disease can come from friends, family, healthcare professionals, support groups, and nonprofit organizations. Services include emotional support, financial aid, meal programs, educational resources, and mobile apps.

With the right support, living well with Crohn’s disease is possible. Whether you are navigating the condition yourself or supporting someone who is, understanding and compassion make all the difference.