Almost everyone has some kind of stress in their life. Whether it is the kids, not having enough money, problems with the marriage or something else, stress is something that is a part of life so many people know all too well. When a person has fibromyalgia, the stress levels can be off the charts.
If you know anything about stress, then know that this is a condition that is known as a silent killer. All of the symptoms and side effects of the condition can cause heart disease, heart problems, depression, anxiety and a slew of other problems. When a person is affected by fibromyalgia, stress is oftentimes one of the biggest complaints that come along with it.
A Look at Stress & Fibromyalgia
It is believed that people who have fibromyalgia have a malfunction in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, which is the body’s way of dealing with the stress that is experienced. When fibromyalgia is present, these levels are much higher than what they are in normal individuals.
The HPA levels are different with the presence of fibromyalgia, and stress-fighting hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can both be reduced. Without these much-needed stress relievers in the body, it is without a doubt that increased stress levels will strike without notice.
Stress can literally make a person ill. It can cause symptoms that you might not even realize are related to stress. When fibromyalgia is also present it can cause a very great hardship. When you are stressed, it causes more pain to be experienced, and fibromyalgia is a condition that causes a massive amount of stress. If you have a migraine, it is intensified when you all of that added stress. The Same thing applies to other pain that you experience with fibromyalgia.
Your sleep is also affected when you are stressed. Some people who are stressed find that sleep doesn’t come easy. Your mind seems to be constantly running and you do not know how to get a handle on the stress. It all seems to weigh the most on your mind when it is time to sleep at night. With the inability to relax, sleeping is something that is far in between your normal activities.
How to Reduce Stress
Reducing stress from your life is the easiest way to manage fibromyalgia induced stress. This is oftentimes easier said than done, especially when you are already dealing with so many other issues in your life. However, starting to deplete stress today will ensure that you are able to effectively deal with the stress. There are a number of things that you can do to help ease the stress levels that you feel.
Yoga and meditation both are great for relieving stress. For people with fibromyalgia, yoga might not be easy, but there are many basics that can be used which will help tremendously. Mediation is the process of slowly breathing in and out, using muscles in the body. It is a form of ancient Chinese medicine, just like yoga, and has been used for centuries.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be used to help cope with anxiety. There are various medications in which the doctor can prescribe to you to help calm you down and keep stress levels at a minimal. If you feel that you could benefit with the use of an anti-anxiety medication, talk to your doctor who can best determine what is right for your needs.
You must also take time to relax and find time for yourself. Deep breathing techniques work wonders, but you can also do so much for your well-being when are doing things that you enjoy doing. Whether that is a walk in the park, spending the day with those that you love the most or participating in some sort of other activity, make sure that each day is spent focusing upon yourself and the things that you find enjoyable in your life.
You can also help yourself reduce stress when you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Oftentimes people do not associate stress with the foods that they are consuming, but this very well can be a culprit. It is important that your diet include a number of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. You want to eat lean meats, such as fish and chicken, and avoid processed foods, sugars, etc.
You might find it difficult to eliminate some of these foods out of your life, but it is very much worth doing. At the same time remember that you must also eat the right amount of food. If you are overeating and eating the wrong kind of foods, you are only adding to the levels of stress in your body.
Talk to your doctor for more ways to help eliminate stress. He knows your case personally and can make the best recommendations to help you. With the advice of your doctor, getting the upper hand on stress is something that you can do easily.
The Bottom Line
It seems that stress and fibromyalgia go hand in hand, and most people who have one condition also suffer from the other as well. Stress is not always easy to cope with, but if you want to keep your life in order it is a must that you find effective ways to do this. Stress only makes things worse, and causes even more pain and problems. With fibromyalgia this is certainly not something that you wish to happen.
With the information above and het help of your doctor, reducing your stress and maintaining the life that you want to live is far more possible than ever before. Do not sit around another day with stress levels that are through the roof. Instead, talk to your doctor and put the advice listed above to work for you. It is much easier than what you ever imagined it to be, and in no time at all you will feel like a brand new person, without all of the stress and fibromyalgia headaches involved.
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