Learning how to manage the stress of school and IBD
Going through university is stressful for most students, but for students living with a chronic illness, learning to manage that stress is crucial.
Rachel Chisholm learned that lesson the hard way while completing her undergrad. Now, as she completes her Masters of Arts in leadership at the University of Guelph, she hopes to spread awareness to students who might be going through the same thing.
Ten years ago, Chisholm was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness causing inflammation of the intestines. During her undergrad, she found it difficult manage her unpredictable symptoms.
“Ten years ago, Chisholm was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease…”
“I was going to school full-time, I was working full-time, I was trying to maintain some sort of social life, and really just didn’t take care of myself,” explained Chisholm in an interview with The Ontarion. “I wasn’t sleeping enough, I wasn’t resting enough, I wasn’t eating properly—I would stop to pick-up things on the go—and after a while, everything took a toll and everything came crashing down on me.”
Chisholm recently published an article on her LinkedIn page outlining some of the things she would have done differently in order to take better care of herself while attending university.
She recommends taking naps, building a routine, and prioritizing to help combat fatigue, stress, and flare-ups associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
She also advises students not to overthink scenarios where things could potentially go wrong.
“I tell people not to scenario-plan because you might be thinking about all these things that could go wrong and then they never actually go wrong, then you just stress yourself out for nothing,” said Chisholm, admitting that this is something she still struggles with on occasion. “It’s easier said than done sometimes.”
“I tell people not to scenario-plan because you might be thinking about all these things that could go wrong and then they never actually go wrong, then you just stress yourself out for nothing…”
However, the number one tip that Chisholm gives to students living with a chronic illness like Crohn’s or colitis is to register with the Student Accessibility Services. In the event of a flare-up, registering at the beginning of the year makes it easier to reschedule tests and deadlines when necessary.
“Whether you need it or not, knowing that you’ve already registered, you can alleviate some stress levels,” she explained.
While discussing some serious issues related to IBD, Chisholm keeps the tone of her article upbeat and even adds a bit of humour in her writing.
“You have a bathroom issue, you know? It’s an embarrassing topic to begin with and I think if you don’t add humour to it, it just gets weird,” said Chisholm. “I think by adding humour to it, it makes people a little more receptive—and when they’re more receptive, they seem to understand better.”
“I think by adding humour to it, it makes people a little more receptive—and when they’re more receptive, they seem to understand better.”
While managing to follow her own advice, Chisholm still keeps herself busy with her studies, her position as director of alumni affairs at Laurentian University, and her dedication to spreading awareness through Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
As a valuable member of the Sudbury chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Chisholm is the first U of G student to be awarded the AbbVie IBD Scholarship, which has helped to alleviate the financial burden of obtaining her Masters.
“Because the price tag is so hefty, it helps definitely contributes towards that—but it also lessens some financial stress,” said Chisholm. “It provides a lot of peace of mind.”
Having nearly completed her Masters degree, travelled to three continents, and moved to three different cities, Chisholm has defied any limitations that might have held her back.
“Those are some significant achievements that I didn’t know would ever happen for me,” she said.