context: To treat your Crohn's disease, your doctor will recommend what medicines to take and whether you might need surgery. But you play a big role, too. There's a lot you can do to help manage the symptoms and ease the stress of this condition. Taking your medicine is key. You'll also want to do these seven things. Crohn's disease may make it harder for your body to take in calories and important nutrients. At times, your doctor may recommend that you add to your diet. He may suggest that you take supplements. These may be high-calorie drinks loaded with vitamins. You may also need to take specific vitamins, like B12 or D, or certain minerals like iron or calcium. You could also ask your doctor if it would help for you to work with a nutritionist. Sometimes, with severe cases of Crohn's, you may need tube feedings. When this happens, your doctor uses what's called a nasogastric tube, which goes in your nose and stomach. If the nasogastric tube isn't an option, the doctor may place a tube directly into your stomach through a cut in your belly. This rarely happens, and in either case tube feeding is almost always temporary. Regular exercise can also help you feel better. So can other simple activities. Try the following: Throughout the day, pay attention to your breathing and slow it down. Take time to be outdoors. Meditate, pray, or practice yoga. Spend time with positive people whose company you enjoy. Many people feel sad, angry, or upset when they find out that they have a long-term condition. That's to be expected. But if you feel depressed or anxious, reach out for help. Your doctor can refer you to a counselor. Your family and close friends might also be able to recommend someone. You may also want to look for a support group, where you can talk to people who can relate to what you're going through. If it turns out that you have a medical condition like depression or anxiety, your doctor may recommend medication to help with those symptoms. You can have some tough days with Crohn's or any other long-term condition. So ask for help and support. Family, friends, and neighbors are often willing to step up. Sometimes they're not sure how to do that. So if someone says, â Let me know if I can do anything,â give them some ideas about what would be helpful. You might like to talk to others with Crohn's disease. Look into online and local support groups. Ask your doctor or nurse about resources in your area. You might want to bring someone with you to your doctor visits, someone who can listen well and take notes. Always ask questions when you're not sure about something. Since you'll need to follow all medical instructions, ask for them in writing if it helps you remember. Over-the-counter medicines don't need a prescription. These may help ease some of your symptoms. But some may also make them worse or interfere with your prescription medicines. Talk with your doctor before you take any OTC medicines. He may recommend that you take certain ones to: Lessen diarrhea Reduce gas Help lower pain or fever Some pain relievers might make Crohn's worse. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin), or naproxen ( Aleve). It's important to make it to all your doctor appointments. When you go, share how you're doing. This will help your doctor know if your treatment is on track. Prescription medicines are a big part of managing your condition. They are usually very good at controlling symptoms and will help you avoid flare-ups. Always ask questions if you don't understand how to take your medicines. Your pharmacist may also be able to answer those questions. If you have side effects or can't afford your medicines, tell your doctor. He may be able to switch you to another medicine that will work better for you.