Today is World IBD Day, which is a really important day to me and many others. My own experience with IBD started when I  was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2019, completely out of the blue.

One day, I was getting on with life as normal, and the next, I was being told I had a lifelong condition I’d barely even heard of. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster of managing flare-ups, hospital visits, medication changes, and trying to function through chronic fatigue that never really goes away. Living with UC affects every part of my day, from what I eat and how much I sleep, to how I plan outings or cope with the unpredictability of symptoms. It’s not something I ever imagined having to think about, but it’s now a part of my daily reality.

What is World IBD Day?

World IBD Day is marked every year on May 19th and aims to raise awareness of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Organised by patient associations under the umbrella of the European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), the day brings people together globally to highlight what it means to live with these chronic, often invisible, conditions. You’ll often see landmarks lit up in purple to show support, and it’s not just a symbolic gesture. It’s about education, visibility, and encouraging better understanding around IBD.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are:

• Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus and often involves deeper layers of the bowel wall.

• Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine) and rectum and causes inflammation and ulcers in the bowel’s lining.

Both conditions can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea (often with blood), weight loss, and extreme fatigue. There’s currently no cure, and the cause isn’t fully understood, although it’s believed to involve a mix of genetics, immune system response, and environmental triggers.

IBD is not the same as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), even though the symptoms can sometimes overlap. IBD involves actual inflammation and physical damage to the bowel, and often requires long-term medication or even surgery.

Why Awareness Matters

IBD affects millions of people worldwide, yet it often goes unspoken. Many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment, stigma, or a lack of understanding from others. Awareness days like this help break down that silence. They encourage conversations, push for better treatment options, and remind those of us living with the condition that we’re not alone.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK: Supporting the IBD Community

In the UK, Crohn’s & Colitis UK is the leading charity dedicated to supporting people with IBD. Since 1979, they’ve been working to improve the lives of those affected by Crohn’s and colitis through a combination of support services, research funding, and advocacy.

They offer a range of resources, including a confidential helpline, local support networks, and virtual social events, to help individuals navigate the challenges of living with IBD. Their helpline provides up-to-date, evidence-based information and support.

Beyond direct support, Crohn’s & Colitis UK funds pioneering research aimed at understanding the causes of IBD and developing better treatments. They also campaign for improved healthcare services and greater public awareness, striving to ensure that the voices of those with IBD are heard at all levels of decision-making.

If you live with IBD or know someone who does, World IBD Day is a good time to share stories, learn something new, and show support. Whether it’s wearing purple, sharing a post, or just checking in on a friend, the small things can help more than you realise.