(18-25yo)
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
Depression and anxiety are extremely common and getting the correct therapy and medication plan can make a world of difference in your quality of life.
It is not a weakness to receive therapy.
It is not a weakness to take medication for depression, anxiety, etc.
Not every therapist is the perfect match for every patient. It can take time to find one that meshes well with your personality and gives you the ability to grow.
Focus on the positives, not the negatives
Try to replace thoughts of what you cannot do with an ostomy with the opportunities that having one has created for you. Remind yourself of everything that it allows you to do in your life.
Think about all the problems that you were having before that having an ostomy has solved for you.
Think about how your life can continue now that you have an ostomy.
Use positive affirmation but stay truthful. Do not lie to yourself.
Avoid triggers
- For example, if you know that you get stressed out in situations where people are eating and there’s nothing safe for you, be proactive and pack a snack.
- Understand that expanding your comfort zone is, in fact, uncomfortable. Take it slowly and enlist the help of a friend who has your best interest at heart
- Be kind to yourself! In high-stress situations, take a moment to ground yourself and practice self-care.
Advice for Young Adults
Write notes about what you would like to address with providers before going to appointments or calling. If you can, bring another person with you who can take notes so that you can refer to what was discussed. Ask if you can record conversations with providers so that you can listen back.
Try to join a support group. Check with your healthcare provider if they know of groups in the local area.
Trauma can accumulate and feelings related to trauma can be triggered unexpectedly. Listening to your mind and body can help identify these triggers.
Advice for Parents of Young Adults
- Keep communication lines open.
- Accept that child is an adult.
- Appreciate them for their talents, strengths and qualities.
- Offer some choices; avoid dictating behaviors/needs.
- Acknowledge their responsibilities.
- Facilitate their access to healthcare.
- Offer guidance and counsel.
- Offer physical closeness (hugs) and do respect privacy and independence.
Hope, support, and finding community
Parent Stories
These webpages are funded by a grant from Hollister Incorporated.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
