<div class="fr-view"><p>In the UK, more than 500,000 people are living a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with more 25,000 people being diagnosed everywhere. As a condition, not many people have heard of it when they may, in fact, know someone that has it. As an invisible disability, the struggles of living with IBD are not always visible to the outside world.</p>
<p>I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2020. In a short space of time, I went from a very mild form it to the most aggressive. This happened, in part, because I decided to ignore the early symptoms because I was scared. Since then, I have become a Local Network Volunteer for East and South East London for Crohn&#8217;s and Colitis UK. I hope no other young person (or anyone for that matter) is too scared to go to the doctor when they present symptoms.</p>
<p>Living with IBD presents unique challenges; overcoming fear; constant medical checkups; living with fatigue and managing flare ups; missing out on important events because you simply are just too unwell or tired. But everyone living with IBD has courage. This is the message Crohn&#8217;s and Colitis UK are reinforcing this year: it takes courage. With courage and openness we can break the stigma that comes with IBD.</p>
<p><img class="fr-fic fr-dib alignnone wp-image-35055" src="https://thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/were-supporting-social-media.png" alt="A purple poster saying 'We're supporting World IBD Day: 19 May 2025'." width="1080" height="1350" data-id="35055" /></p>
<h3>Symptom Checker</h3>
<p>Being aware of the signs and symptoms of IBD can be vital for an early diagnosis.</p>
<ul>
<li>Diarrhoea and/or constipation</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Weight loss</li>
<li>Blood in stool</li>
<li>Urgency in going to the toilet</li>
<li>An increase in bowel movements (going to the toilet more frequently)</li>
<li>Joint pain</li>
</ul>
<p>Symptoms from <a href="https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/symptoms?parent=23151&;page=1&;tags=&;category=23151&;sort=newest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crohn&#8217;s and Colitis UK</a>.</p>
<p>If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your GP as soon as possible.</p>
<h3>Support</h3>
<p><a href="https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crohn&#8217;s and Colitis UK</a> have a wealth of support and information available, whether you have been diagnosed, are awaiting a diagnosis or simply suspect something is wrong. They also have a load of ways that you can get involved and help out, such as fundraising and awareness campaigns.</p>
<p>As I said, I am also a Local Network Volunteer so please feel free to reach out to me directly. I can either signpost to the best place for support or just be a friendly voice to have a safe and private conversation with. Let&#8217;s break the stigma of IBD together!</p>
<p>My email is <a href="mailto:oustudents-vp-edi@open.ac">oustudents-vp-edi@open.ac</a>.uk</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Ross Thorne</p>
<p>Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.</p>
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It’s World IBD Day 2025
19 May marks World IBD Day to raise awareness for those living with Crohn's or Colitis - forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
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I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis almost two years ago now and it has totally changed my life.
I’ve never met or known anyone else with IBD so to read this on an ou site was a surprise! A great article and thank you for raising awareness for ibd!! 😊❤️