For we lupies, the smallest amount of additional stress can have a major impact on our health and well-being. A minor accounting error in your checkbook could bounce a check, causing budget problems as well as unanticipated fees. This can have repercussions in all of your finances, causing stress that could induce a flare, making you ill...all because of a tiny math error.
Since we know that these small stressors can have such an impact on our health, it is almost impossible to calculate the impact that a large-scale trauma has on us. Last week’s tragedies in New York and Washington have affected not only those personally touched by these unspeakable atrocities, but by everyone in the world, on more levels than we can yet fathom.
These large-scale global events have psychological and spiritual effects on all of those who hear of them. We are also being bombarded by media images of the attacks, and that constant hammering on our psyches can have physical results as well. Those of us with lupus and other chronic illnesses are very vulnerable to stress-related illnesses and problems, so we must be more aware than most of our minds’, spirits’ and bodies’ state of well-being.
A few of the most common physical manifestations that we must be on the lookout for are:
- Depression
It is normal to be saddened by tragedy and to grieve a loss. Crying is a normal, healthy way to express these emotions. However, uncontrollable crying, loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, a sense of overwhelming despair and a loss of interest in things that usually bring joy and satisfaction are all signs that an unhealthy clinical depression is overwhelming the normal grief. For more information on this, please see "Depression and Lupus".
- GI Disturbances
As anyone who’s ever had to take a TUMS can tell you, anxiety and stress can lead to stomach problems. Increased acid flow, heartburn, loss of appetite and even nausea or diarrhea can result from stress and, if left untreated, could lead other problems such as malnutrition and dehydration.
- Increased Blood Pressure
The body’s normal reaction to stress is to go into the famous “Fight-or-Flight” mode. Our body pumps adrenaline into the body to prepare for either battle or escape. This extra adrenaline increases our heart rate and respiration, as well as our blood pressure. Unfortunately, since we can’t run from most of our stress, and picking fights with those around us is not an option, we are left in “High Alert” with no outlet for our excess energy, resulting in an increase in our blood pressure and heart rate. This is especially risky to our kidneys, as well.
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