Re: Grief and Stress

[Guest guest]

In answer to everyone who posted about grief and loss relating to stress. Having Chronic Illness means pain, fatigue and disability, but it also has deep psychological effects, namely depression. Anything can trigger it, even just having a really bad flare. I have bouts where I am really depressed. I cant work and feel I am a burden to my fiance who works 12 hour days just to feed us both. I feel guilt and shame and frustration and anger. They all work their way inside me and for days I will be so very sad. Its not just about the people that we lose, its about what we lose from this disease, what it takes from us and how it alters our lives. Allow yourself to have bad days, and nurture yourself. When we get hit hard by a tragedy, we suffer atypically (sources outside of us) be it a loss of a job, or ill health, or a death. Anything outside of us can affect us deeply. Getting psychological therapy and possibly an anti depressant or anxiety medication should be considered immediately upon suffering the major psychological, physical and emotional stress that trauma and grief can cause. You all have my sympathy and support. Deborah

[Guest guest]

Deborah.

Grief and stress will most definitely cause you to have a flare up with RA and

extreme pain. I went through a terrible stressful time last year and had the most

awful pains I ever had in my life. Gotta go. My little Siamese kitty wants my

undivided attention...........Joyce M

----- Original Message -----

From: dbargad@...

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Monday, May 02, 2005 2:01 AM

Subject: Re: Grief and Stress

In answer to everyone who posted about grief and loss relating to stress. Having Chronic Illness means pain, fatigue and disability, but it also has deep psychological effects, namely depression. Anything can trigger it, even just having a really bad flare. I have bouts where I am really depressed. I cant work and feel I am a burden to my fiance who works 12 hour days just to feed us both. I feel guilt and shame and frustration and anger. They all work their way inside me and for days I will be so very sad. Its not just about the people that we lose, its about what we lose from this disease, what it takes from us and how it alters our lives. Allow yourself to have bad days, and nurture yourself. When we get hit hard by a tragedy, we suffer atypically (sources outside of us) be it a loss of a job, or ill health, or a death. Anything outside of us can affect us deeply. Getting psychological therapy and possibly an anti depressant or anxiety medication should be considered immediately upon suffering the major psychological, physical and emotional stress that trauma and grief can cause. You all have my sympathy and support. Deborah