The holidays are here and with them come parties and social gatherings.

It's a time when many of us feel overwhelmed, but if you're one of the 1.6 million Americans living with IBD—or inflammatory bowel disease—it can be a downright miserable season. 

Parties and family events during the holidays are often centered around rich foods and alcoholic beverages, which can trigger flare-ups. Add in the extra stress—which is also a trigger—and the holidays can be painful and uncomfortable for patients living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the 2 types of IBD.

"It's normal for people with IBD to struggle during the holidays," says Amy Mann, licensed clinical social worker in the Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel Disease program.

"There's so much rich food and people you might not spend a lot of time with; it's important to take care of yourself and your needs."

Read: Is it IBS or IBD?

Amy says there are things patients can do to prepare for these stressors ahead of time. Use these tips:

• Bring extra medications and keep them on you. If you're flying, don't check your medications. Instead pack them in your carry-on. 
• Make time for yourself and do things that can help you stay calm and relaxed. This can mean going for a walk, taking a break from the crowd, meditating, doing yoga, listening to your favorite podcast, or reading a book. "It's OK to say to your family, 'I need an hour alone,'" Amy says. "Go in another room and take that time for yourself."
• Exercise and make sure you're getting enough sleep. Try to maintain as much of your normal routine as possible.
• Set expectations for your family. Don't be afraid to tell them you're not feeling well or let them know you won't be eating something ahead of time.

Read: Living a Life That Isn't Defined By IBD

It's also important for family members to be supportive and understanding if their loved one is struggling. 

"This is a disease that not only affects a patient, it affects the whole family," Amy says.

"IBD is a chronic illness and it's more than a tummy ache. The best thing a family member can do is respect their loved one's boundaries."

Amy has these tips for family members:

• Be understanding if your loved one needs to eat different food or abstain from drinking. 
• Don't offer unsolicited advice, criticize their food choices or ask, "Should you be eating that?" 
• Don't disregard their need for time alone or take it personally. 
• Don't constantly ask how they're feeling or question why they aren't feeling better. 
• Minimize stress and fights. 

If you find yourself needing a little extra support, visit our IBD support group for patients, parents, spouses, and family members.