I am well-acquainted with feelings of stress and anxiety.
Since I have Crohn’s Disease, it is very important for me to manage my stress
and anxiety because it is has a huge effect on my health. I feel the effects of
stress much more quickly and more strongly than before I was diagnosed. All of
us have experienced stress at some point or another, and many of us experience
it every day. This blog will give you a brief overview of stress.
Not everyone feels stress in the same way. Some of the
effects of stress include:
- A faster
heart rate
- Skipped
heartbeats
- Rapid
breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Loose stools
- Frequent need
to urinate
- Dry mouth
- Problems
swallowing
- Hard time
focusing
- Feel tired
most of the time
- Lose your
temper more often
- Sexual
problems
- Problems
falling or staying asleep
- Nightmares
Almost anything
can cause a person stress and/or anxiety. Life changes are a major source of
stress, as well as stressful relationships, jobs, etc. Some medications can
also cause or worsen symptoms of stress. Caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, and
tobacco products may also cause or make symptoms of stress or anxiety worse.
How do you help
manage your stress?
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep and exercise.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Do not use nicotine, cocaine, or other street drugs.
- Learn and practice ways to relax. Find out about yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
- Take breaks from work. Balance fun activities with your job and family duties.
- Schedule leisure time every day.
- Spend time with people you enjoy, including your family.
- Try learning to make things with your hands, playing an instrument, or listening to music.
- Think about what might be giving you stress. Keep a diary of what is going on when you have these feelings. Then, find someone you trust who will listen to you. Often just talking to a friend or loved one is all that you need to feel better. Check if your community has support groups and hotlines.
- Ask your health care provider if any drugs or medicines you are taking can cause anxiety.
Reasons you may want to seek more help are:
- You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat.
- You are unable to work or function at home or at your job.
- You have fears that you cannot control.
- You are having memories of a traumatic event.
- You have suicidal feelings.
- Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
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