Living with Crohn's disease

Living with Crohn’s disease can affect many parts of daily life — from your health and wellbeing, to how you work, socialise, and plan for the future. But you’re not alone.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing Crohn’s disease for a while, finding the right information and support can make a real difference.

With understanding, flexibility, and the right tools in place, many people living with Crohn’s disease continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.

This guide explores what Crohn’s disease is, how it can affect you, and ways to navigate everyday challenges — including work. It also offers practical tips to help you look after your health and feel supported in your journey.

What is Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It causes chronic inflammation, which can lead to a range of symptoms that vary in severity from person to person.

The condition is progressive and long-term, and often appears in cycles or stages, with periods of flare-ups and remission. While the exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, experts believe it may be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.

Crohn's disease does not have a cure, but with the right strategies and support, people living with Crohn's disease can lead fulfilling lives. Access to appropriate medical care, workplace support, and community resources plays a big role in breaking down societal barriers.

Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe, and they can vary significantly from person to person. Common symptoms may include:

• Persistent diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Weight loss and reduced appetite
• Fever during flare-ups
• Mouth sores
• Anaemia

These symptoms often develop gradually over time, which means they can sometimes be mistaken for other digestive issues or even stress-related problems. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may be affected more severely or more frequently.

Because Crohn’s disease affects everyone differently, it’s important not to ignore ongoing digestive symptoms. If you notice persistent changes in your digestion, energy levels, or appetite, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

A qualified health professional can help rule out other conditions, guide you through testing, and provide an accurate diagnosis along with a personalised treatment plan.

Early support can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Strategies for coping with Crohn's disease in daily life

Living with Crohn's disease can be challenging, especially when symptoms are unpredictable. But with the right tools, you can manage your health and maintain a positive lifestyle.

Here are some strategies that may help:

Create a personalised care plan

Work with your care team to develop a tailored management plan. This could include:

• Medication to reduce inflammation
• Dietary changes to manage symptoms
• Regular health check-ups
• Stress management techniques

Understand your triggers

Some foods or lifestyle factors can trigger symptoms or make them worse, especially during a flare-up. While triggers can vary from person to person, common ones often include high-fat or high-fibre foods, spicy meals, caffeine, alcohol, and periods of heightened stress.

Because Crohn’s disease affects everyone differently, identifying your personal triggers can take time.

Keeping a food and symptom diary is a useful way to track what you eat, how you feel afterwards, and any patterns that emerge.

Over time, this can help you make more informed choices, avoid potential flare-ups, and feel more in control of your daily routine. A dietitian or specialist with experience in Crohn’s disease can also help you interpret these patterns and make adjustments that support your health.

Eat a balanced diet

You may need to make changes to your eating habits to help reduce symptoms and maintain good nutrition, especially during flare-ups. This might involve avoiding certain trigger foods, eating smaller meals more often, or choosing foods that are easier to digest.

Because Crohn’s disease can affect how your body absorbs nutrients, it’s important to find a balanced approach that works for you.

A dietitian with experience in Crohn’s disease can provide tailored guidance based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and nutritional needs. They can help you build a sustainable eating plan that supports your health and fits into your daily routine.

Look after your mental health

Chronic illness can take a real toll on your emotional wellbeing. The unpredictability of symptoms, ongoing medical appointments, and impact on daily life can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or isolation.

That’s why it’s so important to prioritise your mental health, just as much as your physical health.

Practising self-care, setting boundaries, and making time for things you enjoy can help protect your emotional resilience.

Connecting with supportive friends, family, or others who understand what you’re going through can also make a big difference.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Speaking to someone trained to help can provide tools and strategies to cope — and remind you that you're not alone.

Connect with others

You’re not alone. Many people are living with Crohn's disease and facing similar challenges.

Joining a support group can help you share experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and learn new coping strategies.

Employment and Crohn's disease

People living with Crohn's disease can experience barriers to employment, not because of their condition itself, but due to workplace inaccessibility or misunderstandings about chronic illness.

Some people might find it difficult to maintain traditional work schedules during flare-ups or hospital visits. Others may face bias or lack of understanding from employers about their needs.

With the right support, including flexible working arrangements and understanding colleagues, many people living with Crohn's disease can thrive in a wide range of jobs.

When considering work options, think about:

Everyone’s experience of living with Crohn’s disease is different. That’s why it’s important to consider job opportunities that align with your strengths, interests, and support needs — especially during periods of flare-ups or medical appointments.

Here are some things to look for when exploring work options:

• Roles with flexibility in hours or location: Jobs that offer flexible start and finish times, or allow you to adjust your schedule if you're not feeling well, can make a big difference in managing fatigue and flare-ups. This flexibility can also help you attend medical appointments without stress.
• Opportunities to work remotely: Working from home can reduce the physical demands of commuting and provide easier access to your own bathroom, medication, and rest when needed. A familiar environment can also help reduce anxiety during flare-ups.
• Jobs that include sick leave and health benefits: Paid sick leave, personal leave, or access to employee health and wellbeing programs can offer reassurance if you need to take time off or access additional support.
• Supportive management and workplace culture: Workplaces that value open communication, inclusion, and respect can help you feel safe to speak up about what you need — whether that’s time off, workspace adjustments, or a flexible routine.

Job examples that may suit someone living with Crohn’s disease include:

• Remote customer service roles: These positions often allow you to work from home, follow structured tasks, and take scheduled breaks. Some companies also provide training and equipment so you can start with confidence.
• Freelance writing or content creation: Freelancing gives you control over your schedule and workload. Whether it’s blogging, copywriting, editing, or social media content, these roles can often be done independently and at your own pace.
• IT or software development: Many roles in the tech sector offer remote or hybrid work options. Problem-solving, programming, testing software, and managing IT systems can often be done with flexible hours and minimal physical demands.
• Graphic design and digital marketing: These creative roles often allow for flexible schedules and remote work. If you enjoy designing, branding, or managing online campaigns, this could be a fulfilling and flexible career path.
• Virtual assistant or administrative support: Supporting businesses with tasks like scheduling, email management, or data entry can be done from home with set routines and minimal physical strain.
• Bookkeeping or accounting: These jobs typically involve focused, desk-based work and can offer a stable routine. Many businesses now support remote finance roles or part-time hours.

Your skills, interests, and the support available in each role are important factors to consider.

If you're unsure where to start, a Disability Employment Services provider like APM can help you explore your options, build your confidence, and connect with inclusive employers.

We understand that living with Crohn’s disease doesn’t limit your potential — it simply means you may need a role that works with you, not against you.

How to manage Crohn's disease in your workplace

Managing Crohn's disease at work can involve preparation, communication, and finding what works for you.

Everyone’s experience is different and their flare-ups will look different, but here are some tips that may help:

Know your rights in Australia

Employers must provide reasonable adjustments to help employees with disability or health conditions perform their job. This could include:

• Flexibility in start and finish times
• Time off for medical appointments
• The option to work from home when needed
• Access to a nearby bathroom or private space

Communicate when you’re ready

You don’t have to tell your employer about your health condition unless it affects your ability to do your job safely. 

But letting them know can help you get the support you need.

Plan for flare-ups

Work with your employer to create a plan in case you need time off or changes to your routine during a flare-up. 

This could include delegating tasks or setting realistic expectations.

Take breaks when needed

Pacing yourself and taking short breaks can help you manage fatigue or discomfort.

Build a support network

Whether it’s a colleague you trust or your manager, having someone who understands your situation can make a big difference.

How to support someone living with Crohn's disease

If someone in your life is living with Crohn's disease, there are a few ways you can offer meaningful support:

Be understanding

Flare-ups can be unpredictable, and people may need to cancel plans, leave work early, or take time off without much notice. 

This can be frustrating or confusing for others, especially when someone looks ‘fine’ on the outside.

But remember — Crohn’s disease often involves symptoms that aren't visible. A little patience, flexibility, and understanding can make a big difference to someone trying to manage their health while staying connected to work, friendships, or daily routines.

Just letting them know you’re there without judgement can be a powerful form of support.

Learn about the condition

Understanding what Crohn’s disease is and how it affects people can help you offer more empathetic and informed support. 

It’s not just about knowing the medical facts — it’s about recognising how the condition impacts someone’s energy levels, routines, and everyday choices.

By learning more, you can better appreciate why they might need extra rest, avoid certain foods, or suddenly change plans.

This knowledge helps you respond with compassion rather than judgement, and shows the person that they’re supported, not singled out.

Respect their choices

Diet, routines, and treatment decisions can be deeply personal, especially for someone managing a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease.

What works for one person may not work for another, and finding the right balance often takes time and trial and error. 

Trust that the person is making the choices that feel right for their body and their situation — even if those choices look different from what you might expect.

Offering support without judgement helps create a safe space where they feel respected and understood.

Check in

Sometimes just asking, ‘How are you feeling today?’ or ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ can be incredibly powerful. It shows that you care, you're thinking of them, and you're willing to listen without needing to fix everything.

Even a small check-in can help someone feel seen and supported, especially on days when they’re struggling but may not feel comfortable speaking up. 

It’s a simple act that can go a long way in building trust and reminding them they’re not alone.

Advocate for accessibility

In work, school, or community settings, speaking up for accessible bathrooms, flexible scheduling, and supportive policies can help create more inclusive and understanding environments.

These changes might seem small, but they can make a big difference for someone living with Crohn’s disease — helping them feel more comfortable, respected, and able to fully participate.

Whether you're advocating on their behalf or encouraging more inclusive practices, your voice can help remove barriers and make everyday spaces more welcoming for everyone.

We are here by your side

If you’re living with Crohn’s disease and looking for support to explore work options that suit you, we’re here to help. APM Employment Services can work with you to find a job that fits your needs, strengths, and goals.

Get in touch with us today to take the next step.

Resources and further reading

If you or someone you know is living with Crohn's disease, here are some useful resources:

• Crohn’s disease – Health Direct 
• Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis management plans – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Support groups – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fact sheet – Gastroenterological Society of Australia
• IBD Support Australia
• Beyond Blue (for mental health support)

Please note, if you are concerned that you may have Crohn's disease, the first step is to see a doctor. They can assess your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and discuss a diagnosis and treatment plan with you.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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