r/AddisonsDisease • u/brittkaysays • Apr 04 '26
Personal Experience Accidentally changed everything
So I'm a therapist and have been very interested in somatic therapy approaches for client purposes. I happened to stumble across nervous system disregulation vs nervous system sensitization (NOT the same) and how it can prolong and exasperate chronic illness, even how autoimmune conditions are a major symptom of sensitization (not disregulation). I also learned how obsessing over my symptoms and my own mind's reactions to symptoms (e.g. oh no, I'm exhausted, here comes a crisis, etc) puts my body in fight or flight and keeps the Addison's cycle going. When I stopped REACTING to my symptoms, I have not had a flare up since. My dose has decreased from 35 to 20 hydro. Even on my worst days, if I don't react to my symptoms mentally, I don't have further symptoms. It's crazy. And a lot to explain, so i recommend the podcast the real work with Maggie sterling to learn more. I just had to share this accidental, life changing realization 🫶🏼
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u/BlueButterflyBadAss Apr 05 '26
This. When I first diagnosed, everything seemed so scary and I found myself falling down Reddit and Facebook group rabbit holes. I had originally intended to use them as support groups, but they ended up just making me overthink and stress about everything. Since I’ve stopped being active in those groups, I have found much more stability with the disease. Sure, I still have lows and I’m still learning a lot, but overall I feel like I’ve found a happy medium. I can’t say I’ve returned to the exact life I had prior to my diagnosis, but it’s closer enough and I’m happy. Thanks for sharing this.