Mental Wellbeing and Friendships

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can affect much more than a student’s physical health.

Living with IBD can sometimes affect confidence, friendships, mood and a student's sense of belonging at school. They may worry about what other students think, feel embarrassed about their symptoms or become frustrated by having to manage a condition that their classmates may not understand.

Teachers don't need to be counsellors or IBD experts. Being aware of the emotional side of the condition and knowing when to listen, support and involve others can make a meaningful difference.

💭 IBD can affect how a student feels

A student may experience:

• Worry about having an accident at school.

• Embarrassment about their symptoms.

• Frustration about missing school or activities.

• Anxiety about being different from their friends.

• Sadness when illness affects plans.

• Stress around medical appointments or treatment.

• Feeling left out when they can't participate.

• Concern about falling behind academically.

These feelings may come and go. A student may also hide how they are feeling because they don't want to be treated differently.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendships can become complicated

School friendships are important, particularly for children and teenagers.

IBD can sometimes make social situations more difficult. A student may worry about explaining why they need to leave, eating around friends, attending parties or going on excursions.

They may also choose not to tell their friends about their condition.

Don't assume that a student wants their classmates to know about their IBD.

Instead, let them decide what they are comfortable sharing.

🗣️ Give them someone safe to talk to

Sometimes a student simply needs an adult who will listen without immediately trying to solve the problem.

A quiet check-in might be:

"How are things going for you at school?"

Or:

"Is there anything making school harder at the moment?"

Give them time to answer.

They may not want to talk, and that's okay. Knowing that a trusted adult is available can still be reassuring.

🌱 Help them feel included

Try to make sure IBD doesn't become the reason a student is routinely left out.

Where possible, look for ways they can remain part of:

• Group activities.

• Lunchtime and social events.

• Excursions.

• Sport.

• School camps.

• Class celebrations.

• School events.

If they can't participate in something, talk to them about what would help them remain connected.

🔒 Respect their privacy

A student's health information is personal.

Don't tell classmates about their IBD without appropriate permission.

If another student asks why they keep leaving class or have been absent, the student should be able to decide what they want to share.

A simple response such as "That's private" can help protect their boundaries.

👀 Notice changes in behaviour

A student who is struggling emotionally may not directly tell you.

You might notice changes such as:

• Becoming unusually quiet or withdrawn.

• Avoiding friends or activities.

• Losing interest in things they normally enjoy.

• Becoming more anxious about school.

• A noticeable change in confidence.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Increased absences or reluctance to attend school.

These signs don't necessarily mean the student is experiencing a mental health problem, but they may be a reason to check in.

🤝 Know when to involve additional support

If you're concerned about a student's wellbeing, don't feel that you have to manage it alone.

Follow your school's wellbeing and safeguarding procedures and involve the appropriate staff when needed.

Depending on the situation, this may include the student's family, year coordinator, school counsellor, wellbeing team or other appropriate professional.

If a student tells you something that suggests they may be at risk of harming themselves or are otherwise unsafe, follow your school's relevant safeguarding procedures immediately.

❤️ Don't let IBD become their identity

A student with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is still a student first.

They are more than their diagnosis, symptoms or medical appointments.

Notice their interests, achievements, friendships, strengths and personality — not just the times when they need extra support.

Remember

You don't need to have the perfect words.

Listen, respect their privacy, notice when something has changed and help them stay connected to school and their friends.

Sometimes, simply having one adult at school who understands can make a student feel much less alone.