International Day of Happiness 2025 got us at StoCare thinking about mental health and stomas. Stoma surgery is often a lifesaving procedure that improves patient quality of life, but ostomies can be difficult to adjust to and impact body image and confidence. However, with the right products and support, people with stomas thrive.
We wanted to investigate the quality of life in stoma patients, so we took to social media to ask our followers about their feelings about their stoma. The responses offered some interesting insights, so let’s explore them.
Quality of life in stoma patients
The results of our poll reveal just how nuanced ostomate quality of life can be. We simply asked ‘Does your stoma make you happy?’ and the results were as follows:
- 64% said it depends
- 32% said yes
- 4% said no
It’s clear that it’s not as simple as loving or hating it – it’s a balancing act, shaped by physical, emotional, and social factors.
Personal stories from the stoma community
We also gave people the option to explain their answers. The comments we received provide valuable insight into the diverse experiences of ostomates. Here are just a few:
- “Life saver. Community of support. But can be hard on occasion.”
- “It doesn’t make me happy, but it’s given me more time with my son ❤️”
- “So grateful for the health and life it’s given me, but body image and everyday upkeep can be tough.”
These comments reflect the internal struggle many ostomates face: while a stoma can be a lifesaver, offering a new lease on life, it also comes with challenges that can impact mental well-being. From dealing with body image concerns to the daily maintenance of a stoma, it’s clear that the emotional and psychological aspects of living with a stoma are complex.
For example, for new ostomates, caring for a stoma requires a completely new routine, involving unfamiliar products and challenges to tackle such as keeping peristomal skin healthy and avoiding complications like blockages. This is not to mention anxiety and self-consciousness about the appearance of their bag, leakages, odour and more, which can affect new and seasoned ostomates alike. This is all exacerbated because stomas are not well understood in society.
Stress and stomas
All of these factors can lead to stress. We also asked ostomates if their stoma makes them stressed, and the results were interesting:
- 15% said their stoma never makes them stressed
- 9% said their stoma rarely makes them stressed
- 64% said their stoma sometimes makes them stressed
- 12% said their stoma often makes them stressed
The majority of respondents said that their stoma causes stress just ‘sometimes’. It’s reassuring that a strong 15% said their stoma ‘never’ makes them stressed. We had one person who replied to our post to explain that their stoma ‘took stress away’. Indeed, whilst living with a stoma offers unique challenges, the stress this causes is often nothing compared to the illness or worry experienced before surgery.
Here are our simple tips for reducing stress as an ostomate:
- Try to familiarise yourself with the location of toilets when going out. You can get a radar key to access locked disabled loos (available from Colostomy UK & elsewhere).
- Try samples from different suppliers of stoma products to find the combination that works best for you.
- Connect with other ostomates who understand and can share their tips and tricks for living with a stoma.
- Worried about leaks? Speak to your stoma nurse who can make recommendations such as changing your diet or trying a new product.
- Find bag changes stressful? Use a seal that doesn’t break down and allows for longer wear time such as Ostoform FLOWASSIST, or try their 2-piece pouch.
- Suffering with sore skin? Try the StoCare Protect barrier film range to reduce irritation on your peristomal skin.
- Always running out of adhesive remover? Try StoCare Remove XL (100ml).
Navigating mental health with a stoma
It’s completely normal to have mixed emotions about your stoma. Some days may feel easier than others, while on other days the emotional toll might feel overwhelming. It’s okay to be conflicted.
The ostomate community is particularly vibrant on social media, providing a great resource to learn about stomas and connect to others on a similar journey. Here are some uplifting thoughts from those who understand the journey firsthand:
- Aimee: “It’s okay not to be happy. You don’t have to always love your stoma.” Read Aimee’s story here
- Nikita: “Everyone feels differently about their stoma, and the reasons why people get one are so varied.” Read Nikita’s story here
- Dan: “I tend not to think about things I’m unable to control, such as medical conditions. What I can control is my positive attitude.” Read Dan’s story here
- Fran Brown (British Paralympic champion): “I was initially embarrassed about having a stoma, and worried that it meant the end of the things I love but actually it’s opened up my life again, it’s clean, easy to look after and rarely causes issues and I’m proud to say I’m no longer embarrassed about it.” Read Fran’s story here
These words remind us that it’s important to honour your feelings and give yourself the grace to have good days and bad days. It’s not about always being happy with your stoma. It’s okay to find it difficult at times and miss the days before you became unwell or mourn your old body. It’s about finding balance, seeking support when needed, and focusing on what you can control.
Support for ostomates
It’s important to recognize that mental health is a journey, especially for those living with a stoma. There will be tough days, but there will also be moments of gratitude and joy.
If you’re struggling with your stoma or your mental health, it’s essential to seek help. Your stoma nurse or GP should be your first port of call if you are struggling with your stoma; you don’t have to live with frequent leaks, painful skin or any other difficulty in managing your stoma. You may also find it helpful to find a stoma support group near you or connect with other ostomates on social media.
It’s vital to remember that help is always available – there are people who understand what you are going through and want to support you.
The organisations below provide stoma helplines, one-to-one support, support groups and events, private social media pages, information and much more:
- Colostomy UK – including a 24-hour stoma helpline (for anyone with any type of stoma)
- Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association
- Urostomy Association
- Bladder and Bowel UK
- Bladder and Bowel Community
You may also find these resources helpful:
At StoCare, we understand the impact that a stoma can have on both physical and mental health. That’s why we are dedicated to providing high-quality products that help patients manage their stomas, ensuring they can live as comfortably as possible without worrying about leakage or skin problems.
