What if my loved one feels embarrassed about their colostomy?
Feeling embarrassed, angry, or sad about a colostomy is completely normal. It’s a big change to body image and can affect confidence, intimacy, and social life. The key is to move at your loved one’s pace. Offer reassurance, avoid jokes about the stoma, and respect their preferences about who is involved in care. Some families ask us to handle intimate tasks so relatives can remain in a more familiar role. We also encourage small confidence boosters, such as choosing comfortable, flattering clothing and planning short, positive outings, helping the person see that life can still feel fulfilling.