Stress and Arthritis.
Last updated Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Reactions to stressTypical stressors Stress is a normal part of life. Many things in life can be stressful,
such as a move to a new town, a change in jobs, marriage or divorce,
the birth of a child, or the death of someone close to you. Trying to
meet such basic needs as having food to eat and a roof over your head
can be stressful, too.Stress and chronic disease People with arthritis experience the same kinds of stress as
everyone else. However, sometimes having a chronic disease as well can
add special problems. People with arthritis may become more dependent
on family members and health care professionals. They may also have to
adapt to changes in their job status, hobbies, energy level, or body
image. None of these adjustments are easy--and all can be upsetting. Reacting to stress When you are under stress, your muscles become tense. This muscle tension can increase your pain. A vicious cycle of stress, pain, and depression may develop. However, if you learn how to manage stress, you can help break that cycle.
Some of the body's reactions to stress are easy to predict. At
stressful times, the body quickly releases chemicals into the blood.
This sets into motion a series of physical changes. These include a
faster heartbeat and breathing rate, higher blood pressure, and
increased muscle tension.
These physical changes give the body added strength and energy. They
prepare the body for dealing with stressful events such as giving a
speech, aiding an accident victim, or fighting or fleeing from an
attack. When stress is dealt with in a positive way, the body restores
itself and repairs any damage caused by the stress. However, most of
the time, people don't deal with stress in a positive way. Thus,
stress-related tension builds up and, with no outlet, takes its toll on
the body.
The mind's reaction to stress is harder to predict. These mental
reactions vary according to the situation and the person. They may
include feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, annoyance or frustration. A
small amount of stress can help people perform their best--during an
exam, an athletic event, or on stage. With too much stress, people may
become accident-prone, make a lot of mistakes, and may not be able to
function. Stress can be compared to a violin string. If the string is
too loose (not enough stress), it won't produce music. If the string is
too tight (too much stress), it will break. Some degree of stress is
necessary to function properly.
Realize that people respond in different ways to events and
situations. Some people like to be busy, with lots of activity. Other
people may prefer a slower pace, with less activity. What one person
finds relaxing may be stressful to another.
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