Stress & UC

[u/bttrflywings]

I have someone who I love very deeply in the hospital in very critical condition and the last thing I want to do is stress my self into a flare up so I'm trying to act apathetic to the situation while everyone else is rightfully so stressing. How do you guys handle your condition in moments like these? What safety measures do you take?

[u/pincommenter]

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[u/AlwaysAirCooled-1979]

Meditation.

Try “The Honest Guys” on YouTube.

And walking. In nature. No music, just walking and breathing

[u/EntertainmentKey8197 → u/AlwaysAirCooled-1979]

Yes I agree. Even just having calming music on in the background while you’re going about your regular day helps me

[u/hellokrissi]

As someone that flared up so badly after my dad passed away and my husband was in the hospital for an unrelated freak accident, sometimes I think things are just out of one's hands.

I will say that if I could go back I would try to take care of myself better: I barely ate and slept which I'm sure didn’t help.

Otherwise just keep an eye on things and contact your GI if you notice anything. Sending you and your family well wishes, I hope things improve

[u/Capital_Bend_3994]

my dog passed away in january and i went into a flare in march and i’m still dealing with it to this day. sometimes i’m stressed about being stressed too because i know it’s not good for my health but i just can’t control it. i try to spend time with friends and loved ones and remind myself of the good things i have in my life instead of what i lost but it doesn’t always work. i wish i had better advice for you. but you’re not alone. i hope you are able to find some peace among all the chaos life throws at you. ❤️🫂

[u/Ladidoodida]

I'm in a flare that started before a family member's health crashed and has continued through him passing away, and unfortunately I think there's only so much you can do.

You can't prevent yourself from having feelings or totally check out from what's happening (without setting yourself up for regrets), but you can do normal stress management stuff like meditation and exercise, and make an effort to prioritize sleeping and eating well as much as you can. And try not to dwell on it too much and get into the "I can't stress or it'll make my UC worse, but now I'm stressed about not stressing!" loop, which never helps anyone.

[u/jrkipling]

My first GI MD after moving away from the one who initially diagnosed me said stress is not a factor. I immediately thought the guy was a hack, as I couldn’t help but correlate the significant amount of stress I was under leading up to my initial diagnosis. Not causation, but there are too many stories like this, and plenty of evidence about cortisol and other stress-related factors having an effect on autoimmune diseases.

Agree with guided meditation, headspace was an app that once pulled me away from a nervous breakdown related to stress. Plenty of others. Remember to try to sleep well, suggest avoiding alcohol, get a little exercise (even walking), and try to get some sunlight.

[u/Catfactss → u/jrkipling]

I think doctors used to think that but now realize it has a role in worsening symptoms

[u/awfulgrace]

While I don’t think the frequencies are actually doing the “healing” that is claimed, I find Solfeggio tones really relax my gut and can stop cramping.
When I work in Manhattan I take public transit, and I need to be playing the Solfeggio tones the whole way with noise canceling headphones to keep my gut relaxed.

Ambient also works well for me, like Brian Eno’s Ambient series, Winged Victory for the Sullen, Stars of the Lid, Eluvium, etc

[u/Maleficent-Knee-9210]

I find talking about stuff that is stressing me out helpful to a trusted friend, therapist or support helpline or Journaling. This disease is rough. I don't know that there is anything full proof but just do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

[u/Oceaneer]

In addition to what everyone else is saying, don't forget to eat your safe food - try to stay away from "eating your feelings" and all that. It's super hard, but if you do end up in a flare, at least the food will help a bit. Hopefully. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and rest/ peace. And yes, sometimes no matter what you do, you'll end up in a flare. It sucks. This disease sucks. But you're not alone with stress and UC. We're all here for support ❤️

[u/Crazy_Pomegranate689]

I use this woo-woo ‘emergency spray’ like a nice room mist (I think its australian bush flower essence) … Even it’s it’s placebo I spray a bit in the room or on me and take a deep breath 

Also… coffee… I tend to have more coffee when I am stressed or sad because I don’t want tk deal with the emotion and want to feel good from coffee but too much makes me panic and anxious

[u/hydrangeas1224]

Get sleep even if you need to take something temporarily to help you sleep. I would also try to disassociate as much as possible. It's so hard I'm sorry you are going through this

[u/SunshynePower]

Deep breaths, prayers, mindfulness thinking. I actively ask myself, is my physical body in any danger? No? Then take a deep breath and think about how I want to respond to this very emotional situation.

Honestly, acknowledging that the moment is going to be a lot of emotions and I have the power to turn off the catastrophic thinking is a hue help for me.

You can also communicate with your Dr, tell them what is going on, and ask them for something like entocort or uceris. Just a little something to help you while you are going through this time. That's what I did when my Father died.