24M Diagnosed 6 months ago

Just 1 year ago, started a new job, moved to a new city. So much life to live. Avid tennis player and probably was close to being in the best shape of my life. Lots of energy and the ability to always remain cheerful.

After the diagnosis, everything changed. I’ve never been great at maintaining relationships with people, and the few relationships I built in the new city, I feel like I’m destroying. Started prednisone and mesalamine in August and healed up pretty quick or so I thought. Went back to eating everything and anything because I LOVE food. Knowing I mostly empty everything out I thought I could just keep eating and eat whatever. It was the steroids in disguise.

January 2026, huge flare up once again. Back on the prednisone starting today. Lashing out/raging at small inconveniences. For example I told my friend I’m in a flare, to which she completely ignored and I thought about it for a day, she’s not even going to ask how I am? When I’m coming back to town? (Currently staying with my family in a different city to get better before going back) They continue to hang out without me, not really check in. Starting to think maybe just have bad friends. They’re the few people that I’ve talked about the disease extensively with.

Anyways, just wondering if it’s normal to be more emotional because of UC, after all it’s a gut disease which affects the body and mind. Or maybe it’s just the steroids. Wondering if there’s anyone on here that has UC and is still super physically fit and energetic, has good mental health etc. is there light at the end of the tunnel?