Mental health touches every part of our lives. It shapes how we feel, how we connect, and how we cope. Living with a stoma can bring strength, resilience and real emotional challenges. From body image to relationships, isolation to confidence, mental health matters more than ever. That’s why we’ve created a hub of resources, stories and support to help you navigate the emotional side of life with a stoma.
53% of ostomates experienced mental health struggles due to their stoma.* Of those, 65% struggled with depression, and 79% had issues with anxiety. If that's you, you're far from alone. On the mental health hub, you'll find real stories from other ostomates, podcast conversations on the emotional side of living with a stoma, and ways to connect with people who've been exactly where you are.
Ostomy voices that understand
Sometimes seeing someone who gets it makes all the difference. Watch ostomates share their mental health journeys talking through the tough moments and the breakthroughs.
When I first had my stoma surgery, I’ll be honest, I felt like my confidence had completely gone.
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For me I have improved my mental health to a good place, but it always feels like it is just in remission and could bounce back and affect me at any given time.
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Not sure I’m the person to be writing about managing anxiety with a stoma, sometimes I don’t feel like I’m managing it at all.
Read Article When I first had my stoma surgery, I’ll be honest, I felt like my confidence had completely gone.
Read Article For me I have improved my mental health to a good place, but it always feels like it is just in remission and could bounce back and affect me at any given time.
Read Article Not sure I’m the person to be writing about managing anxiety with a stoma, sometimes I don’t feel like I’m managing it at all.
Read Article
My mental health hasn’t been a straightforward journey; for me, it's had lots of ups and downs.
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I'm not afraid to admit that my mental health has been in the gutter for the last two years due to being bed bound thanks to endometriosis and Buddy the cyst.
Read Article My mental health hasn’t been a straightforward journey; for me, it's had lots of ups and downs.
Read Article I'm not afraid to admit that my mental health has been in the gutter for the last two years due to being bed bound thanks to endometriosis and Buddy the cyst.
Read Article
Nikki shares her journey of adjusting to life as a new ostomate, discussing her challenges with mental health and the process of coming to terms with her stoma.
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Kevin discusses the challenges he faced with his mental health after getting a stoma. He shares how he adjusted to this major life change and came to terms with living with a bag.
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Chris opens up about mental health struggles and overcoming emotional challenges with a stoma. Not only this, Chris’ wife, Rachel, makes a special feature as she shares her experience taking care of a loved one with a stoma.
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The Samaritans telephone service is available 24 hours a day for confidential, non-judgmental support.
For urgent support please call 116 123
A free service you can contact 24 hours a day. It offers everything from a calming chat to immediate support for your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Text HELLO to 50808
