Stress. Stress is an unavoidable part of our life. We all experience stress at some points in our lives; stress is the result of an imbalance between the demands (or perceived demands) put on us and our ability (or perceived ability) to meet those demands. Stressors come in many forms: work, family difficulties or having to deal with the unexpected can all cause us to experience stress. Having to deal with and adapt to new life circumstances - such as MS diagnosis - and make changes to our usual routine can bring about stress too.
Symptoms of stress
Everybody responds to stress differently but it is acknowledged that stress causes changes in blood pressure, metabolism and heart rate; research has shown that whilst not all stress is bad for us (that 'butterflies in the stomach' before an exam or presentation can increase focus and concentration and actually cause us to preform better, or encourages the 'fight or flight' response to dealing with an immediate crisis) long-term affect of stress on the body are considered harmful to our wellbeing and quality of life, affecting physical, emotional and behavioural health.
Some symptoms include:
Physical
- increased levels of sweating
- muscle tightness
- headaches
- digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhoea
Emotional
- irritability
- reduced concentration
- feeling overwhelmed
- problems making decisions
- decreased confidence
- low mood
Behavioural
- difficulty sleeping
- changes in appetite
- loss of libido
- increased drinking and/or smoking
- reduced willingness to socialise
Stress and MS
Stress is a topic which divides researchers on all levels around MS.
There has been much research around whether stress actually causes MS; some studies show a period of stress immediately preceding a diagnosis, while others do not. Similarly, there is another body of work suggesting that prolonged periods of stress following diagnosis may lead to relapse of symptoms, whilst there is another that suggests the opposite. Some researchers have published advice on dealing with stress as a key component of managing MS; stress is harmful to everyone not just PwMS so it is important to tackle it as soon as you become aware that it may be a problem for you.
One thing we do know is that each person interprets stress is a unique way; what one person finds overwhelming, another may barely register. it is important to recognise that you are feeling stressed, try to identify the cause of the stress and take some action to reduce or remove the stressor; this may sound obvious but sometimes it is hard to think of things logically if you are under a great deal of stress
Sometimes you might need help to identify the causes and possible solutions to your stressors - it may be helpful to speak to an impartial advisor; your MS nurse or GP can help point you in the right direction for additional support.
Sources:
MS Society (2017) Stress and Anxiety
MS Trust (2015) A-Z of Multiple Sclerosis; Stress
MS Society (2017) Stress and Anxiety
MS Trust (2015) A-Z of Multiple Sclerosis; Stress
