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Posted by AmandaPI (Member # 5587) on :
 
Whenever I have emotionally stressful situations (i.e. problems with boyfriend, work, etc.)my physical problems become much worse let alone my anxiety tops out.

Does anyone have any similar stories or solutions?

Thanks,

Amanda

 


Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
 
Amanda,

Bad stress can weaken your immune system. You aren't alone with this, and neither is Lyme.

My suggestion is to find something that relaxes you. Take the time you need to relax and take care of yourself.

If you can handle some exercise and it isn't a regular part of your schedule, I suggest making it a part of your life. Exercise can be particularly helpful at reducing stress. I use yoga, and it makes a tremendous difference.


 


Posted by vandeb (Member # 6345) on :
 
Hi Amanda. I am an expert in proving that emotional problems and stress will definitely affect your Lyme problems. Last year I went thru a divorce after 31 years of marriage. It was either leave or stay and die trying. I chose to leave and can honestly say it saved my life.

Thankfully my kids are grown and my ex and I are still friendly. It has made an extreme difference in my healing process and dealing with all my illnesses. I also had to quit my job of 30 years about the same time. I've applied for disability and should be getting it any day now.

I was always a person that put everybody first before myself. I thought it was what every good mother had to do. When I became sick 4-5 years ago I had to let others take care of me and think about myself without feeling guilty everytime I did something.

The best advice I can give anyone is don't feel guilty about doing what your body demands. Resting, exercising, sleeping, long hot baths, telling people no I can't do it, and don't think about what you can't do anymore just be happy for the times you can do the little things.

My life is much happier now and my body is reacting to treatment for Lyme and Babs. I have a long road ahead but I have the peace I needed and the relief of less stress has been a life saver for me.

I have been open and expressed my physical and emotional situations to my family so they try and help me every way they can. Maybe you can tell your boyfriend and your co-workers enough about the Lyme that they can understand the seriousness of it and how the stress effects it.

Hope I've helped you in some small way. God bless you and all my Lymie friends in here.

------------------
Debbie V.
 


Posted by Monica (Member # 224) on :
 
Stress can definitely aggravate your symptoms. It has done it to me.

If you look at it logically, stress can effect every part of your body. When you are ill, it will naturally make you feel worse.
 


Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :
 
Even the littlest stressful thought immediately exacerbates my symptoms.

I'm trying to keep up at work and do OK at a steady pace. I used to deal with chaos just fine but now when all the phones ring at once and I'm late for an appointment my symptoms immediately flare. It seems that whatever chemicals are released in stressful situations encourage the Lyme to act up.

Right now my day has gotten piled up with more to do than I can do and so my eye went numb and my back is tingling.

I've lightened my schedule and do all I can to avoid crises but the slightest anxiety slips in and makes me worse.

I take lots of time for myself and try to get through everything calmly. It's a challenge though.

hatsnscarfs
 


Posted by AmandaPI (Member # 5587) on :
 
Thanks to everyone for your great comments.

I wish you all improved health!

Amanda
 


Posted by bg (Member # 46416) on :
 
Yes, I totally agree with everything said above. Sorry but I can't remember who wrote what unless I scrott ... but one person has excellent ideas on dealing with the stress on taking care of your health first.

Bettyg ... best wishes to all of us on this!
 


Posted by TheCrimeOfLyme (Member # 4019) on :
 
The littlest bit of stress for me causes instanteous and often severe headaches.

Don't sweat the small stuff and may I suggest being selfish? Care about you right now, nothing else.

Everythign is trivial, except your health.


 




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