Question:
Stress may not be the cause of IBD, but it sure aggravates the symptoms.
There is a definite correlation between how much I push myself on weekends
and how I feel the next week. Since I feel guilty if I take on too much and
feel guilty when I don't do enough, I'm trying to find a balance.
Answer:
I believe that stress is not the main cause of colitis, but that it does
aggrivate it. I have noticed that I experience flares when I am having
very stressful times in my life, now that I am out of college I haven't
had a flare so far. Just my opinion...
As one with colitis for several years I am so tired of hearing this from
friends, relatives, and other part time physicians. Knowing full well that
stress is not a major reason for my colitis, I am curious as to what others
say to those with this diagnosis? , just wondering..
While there is little doubt stress can aggravate colitis, there are a
lot of people who believe colitis is some sort of intestinal distress
caused by stress. I've even talked with people who recall "having a
touch of colitis". There seems to be a lot of misinformation about
this disease.
However, I would suggest that you tell those wonderful people who tell
you to "just relax" and or "eliminate stress" what I have told those who
said that to me.
1. The only way to totally eliminate stress which anyone has found is to
stop living. Personally I prefer living.
2. (and this is one of my favorites) I tell them "thank-you so much for
volunteering to help me, there are several things I am doing right now
which are causing me some stress, which one or more of these projects would
you like to handle for me?" (amazing how fast they and their "advice"
disappear, and amazing how much help some of them *are* willing to give)
If you are like me, too often you are trying to handle stressful projects
or situations alone rather than ask for help. Though most of the people
who tell you to "reduce" stress will run away and take their advice with
them when asked to do something constructive to help, some will stay and
help and be happy that they are able to do something to help you. It
certainly is a good way to seperate the true friends from the hot air bags.
