Understanding the Impact of Stress Layers on Chronic Illness Management

I have wanted to post this past week, but was too overwhelmed. One of my adult children is having family problems, and hubby and I have been focused on helping. It doesn't matter how old our children get, we both rush to help when they need us.

When people I love are hurting and I want to help, my chronic pain and other symptoms don't magically disappear. When I was healthier, I would usually have a burst of adrenaline that could help in a crisis. I'm afraid that just doesn't happen to me anymore.

I wake up with this problem on my mind, but I still hurt and have balance and vision problems. I do wish that I could get a break from my health problems when I'm needed. That would be so wonderful, wouldn't it?

What can I do? My number one thing to do is to sit and listen. Hugs and prayers are easy to give. Text messages can also help when answered with encouragement and truthful comments. When an adult child asks for ideas or advice I'm happy to give it. It's better to not offer advice when it's not wanted.

When extra stress enters my life, my physical body becomes sicker. My body often will have a mast-cell reaction. I have nausea, itching and rashes. I keep my Benadryl handy so that I don't have anaphylaxis. Other symptoms (dizziness and balance) seem worse and I try to be careful.

So, stress of any kind can bring on a flare. I've written a lot about flares, even though I haven't found any life-changing treatments. Time, relaxation, ice, heat, and proper medication can help. Proper medication is a joke. Ibuprofen and Tylenol help very little and now I've been told that they are both unsafe, especially if you have kidney or liver issues.

When I pray, I also want to include thankfulness. I am encouraged when I remember all the things that I'm grateful for. It's easy to find Bible verses that help, no matter what the problem. Psalms are my favorite pleas to God, and I often "pray" them out loud.

Chronic illness doesn't fade into the background when any other negative event might occur. While I don't have the physical strength or ability to do physical work, I can "work" in other ways. Just thinking, listening, praying, and advising don't take any physical strength.

But, even doing those emotional/mental exercises can cause exhaustion. My mind tells me when I need to back off and just rest. Getting my mind to take a break isn't easy, but I really need to. Our family wants and expects me to be smart and take care of myself (as much as is possible).

My chronic illness mind shouts guilty accusations at me for not doing more. The longer I live with chronic illnesses, the easier it is to shut that down. I know they are lies and I don't need to entertain them.

What have you learned when dealing with the extra stress that comes with a variety of family/friend problems? We could all share our tips in the comments section. It's great to share our journeys! I hope you'll share with me.

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclosure: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my opinions and experiences and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please contact your personal physician.