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Living with a stoma & its psychological impacts

For many of us, loneliness is a common feeling. We can often feel isolated during or after big life changes like moving somewhere new, losing a loved one or retiring from work.

It’s also natural to feel this way with a long-term illness, especially if you find talking about it difficult or feel it restricts you from getting out and about.

You’re not alone if you feel conscious of changing your stoma bag or catheter outside the house either. Many patients, especially people new to the condition, are concerned about having a safe and private space to do this and worry others may notice. This uncertainty can easily leave you feeling anxious and isolated.

Coping with a stoma

Coping with a stoma is a unique experience and transition for everyone. There are many differing reasons why a stoma may have been formed. It is important to provide yourself with time to process your feelings and appreciate that there is no set time to manage them.

It is important to remember that talking about your experience and thoughts can help you. This may also assist others in understanding what you are managing. Your Stoma Nurse can provide a wealth of advice, support, and appropriate literature. Please actively voice to your stoma nurse if this is something you either struggle with or feel unsupported with.

How common is depression after ostomy surgery?

Stoma nurses will continuously assess how you adapt to your life with a stoma.

Initially, changes to body image and recovery from surgery can be exhausting and result in low self-esteem. Other challenges, such as dietary changes, exercise, sexual health, and travel, must be understood. Allow yourself time to heal both physically and psychologically.

Please remember knowledge is empowerment. Talking about concerns and anxieties can help. Although it’s good to talk with people/friends/families, it is recognised that some professional advice may be needed from your stoma nurse. The good news is that your stoma nurse or GP can signpost how you can access help or support should depression occur.

We know that living with a stoma bag adds additional complexity so have worked with a range of charities and associations that can offer extra specialised support for those living with an ostomy. Taking the first step is often the hardest part of the journey. There is a wealth of specialist ostomy help and support out there to help alleviate depression after ostomy surgery and the psychological impact of living with a stoma.

You are not alone.

We provide a range of resources to help you regain body confidence, develop relationships and support your mental health.