Coping?

hmmm, loaded question. I use my meds properly...foremost. I have a good doctor, soon to be retired...hope the new one follows suit.
I also make sure I'm taking my probiotics/fibre supplements.

I complain, vent, etc. My husband supports me.

I eat what soothes me.

I use my meds...oh, mentioned that.

I research, I read, I come here,

As far as stress? I'm always in some mental crisis daily...other issues. My UC will compound it if I'm flaring...As long as I know what's going on, it helps.

I was in therapy for many years because of my "issues"...it helped during my life changes, parents' deaths, new career, etc.  UC wasn't my issue, although it was close to when I was diagnosed.  It helped amazingly...changed my life, except it's an ongoing and exhausting  process to be fully "aware".  Antidepressants help my depression.

nothing much...it is what it is. And if I feel like not functioning for however long...I choose to do so by not connecting with others who might tick me off even more..

q

Thank you - it helps. I am so broke and cannot go back to work yet. I don't have a husband and my kids have moved out and live far away. My daughter is suffering form delusions from a car accident so that is pretty stressful. My father is 85 and wants me to move in with him but, I am not sure if he needs me with all of my troubles on his plate.

Eating what soothes me sounds good.

The beach sounds good. I still have a pension, I am thinking I should pull that bad boy and just go to the beach or somewhere peaceful.

The key thing is finding a good method of escape to get the stress levels down when whenever something gets to you. It can be anything really, from reading a good book, to going for a jog, or taking a long walk with the dog in the park. Many forms of exercise are good, as you feel better afterwards; a natural high. You need a way to get away and unplug from daily stress and whatever crisis is going on today.

Lowering your stress levels is never easy but it is helpful to uc (as an overload in stress can be one of the factors that leads up to a flare). Sometimes it is people around you that get you going and limiting your contact with those people who get you going can be helpful (when it is possible to do so). Other times it is just your own stress levels and learning to let the little things go, and be more relaxed when things happen, and oh do they happen. Some find yoga or meditation to be helpful. Others find peace in their own ways.

As far as coping with the unpredictability of this disease goes, the best thing you can do is be prepared for the worse case scenario. If you are going out and uc is acting up then plan ahead and find some good bathrooms along the route before you leave. Things like having an emergency kit in your car or purse with a change of underwear and wet wipes can be huge for peace of mind for many situations. At least you know if the worst should happen then you have a plan. As it is very easy to suddenly get worried about having a sudden, very urgent need to go to the bathroom" when you are stuck in traffic, or in an unfamiliar area where you don't know where the nearest bathroom is. As stressing about things such as that actually make it more likely that you will have to go or will have an accident; it's self defeating.