67,000. That is the number of college students who head to school each fall facing the additional burden of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
To the general public, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are simply 2 additional conditions to an infinite list of medical conditions and illnesses. But to the 1.5 million people in the US who have IBD (the broader category: Inflammatory bowel disease), these 2 conditions mean one thing: pain.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, autoimmune diseases that target the digestive tract. Because of their chronic illness, life as a young adult (18-30) with Crohn’s and Colitis often includes life-saving surgeries, continuous excruciating flare ups, dietary restrictions, daily medication, and the social stigma of having IBD. Studies show that these students experience more difficulty in college life academically and socially.
“New research indicates that a diagnosis of IBD leads to a heightened risk of suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths.”
- 2022 Study on Association of IBD with Suicide Ideation, Suicide Rates, and Suicide
