I was supposed to have a 2-stage surgery that avoided the loop ileostomy, but things went sideways and my Jpouch leaked right away. Peritonitis and then urgent surgery to give me a loop ileostomy. That thing was horrible, I was housebound, the output was burning water that ate up my skin. The shape of the loop being uneven made getting a good seal impossible. Ugh I can recall sitting and watching the bag fill up like a hose was turned on - whatever I drank just ran right out again. I was too skinny for the first and only time since childhood. I was so excited to go for my final surgery and get the jpouch connected again. Yes the output slows down considerably! My doctor said it takes a full year for your body (including your mind) to adapt to the Jpouch and you will see gradual improvements the whole time, and that proved to be the case. I do not take any medications at all, or any bulking agents. My poo varies from sometimes watery to sometimes too thick to empty well. Mostly it's just runny mush, which I can empty well. I am fortunate to have perfect continence and can hold it for a while when necessary (though that can, as Scott said, be uncomfortable). From 4 to 12 times a day, depending on what I eat and other unknown mysterious to me factors.
Many people here have experienced anxiety and/or depression. A chronic incurable illness will do that. Sometimes I mourn for my lost health - I was so strong and fit before the UC started. But honestly the Jpouch is far better than the horrible painful bleeding UC, far better than wearing the appliance with the end ileostomy, and far better than the leaky loop ileostomy. My only therapy is running 5 or 6 days a week (usually first thing after emptying in the AM). But if you feel truly depressed you can and should get medical help, it can change everything.