Does stress make you physically ill?

[joanneg]

Since I had ds two years ago I feel unwell a lot of the time. I get headaches a lot, feel sick, have aches and pains in my spine, lower back and neck. Lots of little things that together add together and make me feel really unwell.

I am reaching the end of my tether with it now. Today I felt unwell I lazed on the couch. IT is like this a lot and is getting worse.

The only thing that I can think off is that I worry a lot and get stressed out very easily. Could this be making me feel unwell? I have been to the doctors about a few things - but not really getting anywhere.
Could the fact that I over stress a lot and think too much be making me feel unwell? I also think about the fact that I feel unwell alot and wonder if this is not helping either.

How do I break the cycle? Could this be why?

(I really hope that this makes sense)

Stress absolutely does have physical consequences. Any good GP will know this. Go and see your GP and tell him/her all your symptoms, and mention the stress too.

agree with Anorak - sometimes stress and even depression show up primarily as physical symptoms. another thought - frequent use of analgesics such as paracetamol can cause headaches - so this may be causing/contributing to the headaches. in terms of reducing stress - eating and sleeping as well as you can, cutting out caffeine, making sure you drink enough water, doing some form of sport (endorphin release) or relaxation (yoga/meditation/breathing exercises) may help.

yes, it can make you really ill. When my mum died, a long time ago, it took me two years to "crack up and cry" but when I did, oh boy! I was so stressed and depressed that sometimes I physically couldn't get out of bed. Nowadays, I get up and every morning, without fail, I start feeling sick and usually retching. It is very stressful for me at the moment but I have started having accupunture for it and it's great. If you're anything like me, I make lists of things to do and realise that I am forever saying to the kids, "God, I've got so much to do" and setting myself unreachable targets. Try the doctors as well, they can help with deep breathing and relaxation techniques etc. Think about the good things, and try really hard not to worry as much. I had a nasty experience in April and it's made me realise that as long as we as a family are OK, stuff the rest. It will get done, and if it doesn't and it's not hurting anyone, so what! Hope this helps...

Stress is one of the biggest causes of illnesses. When I had post natal depression when I had my little boy I was soooooo stressed. I had no energy, felt lethargic and really ill. So, yes stress can make you ill...

Does anyone who's suffered from stress which has given physical symptoms think that it can cause things like headaches that go on for a couple of weeks relentlessly?

I would say definitely yes to that.

agree with anorak. but always worth going to gp to exclude other illness anyway imho

I've been to the GP but nothing's particularly forthcoming. I've been taking non-stop paracetamols for what seems like forever. But I am very tense I think. I've also just quit smoking. Urg ...

I had the worst flu ever last year, when I was VERY stressed & in the middle of pnd.
I have never felt that ill b4 & my hv thinks it was caused by me being so run down.

prefer not - taking paracetamol regularly can actually cause headaches - so you would probably be better off switching to a non-paracetamol headache remedy

Yes, yes, yes! For me it usually winds up affecting my stomach. I read an article in Fit Yoga magazine yesterday about a book called Ultraprevention that talks about how various things like stress, diet, etc. can wind up causing real health problems that then spiral into general unwellness.

Unfortunately I'm allergic to aspirin which rules out Neurofen etc. What else could I take do you think?

HAve you consulted with a chiropractor?

jollymum,

I am sorry to hear that you have retching in the morning - it is so distressing - my mum suffers badly from it and so far no meds seem to be helping... so I am very interested to know if the acupuncture helps... hpw long have you been having it and how did your therapist assess it? I am desperate for something to help her as she is getting so down and very stressed about it so would be really grateful for your feedback
Thanks -and hope you are recovering

Definately, when I am stressed I often feel very unwell, ditto everyone else who says you should see your GP.

prefernot extended use of any OTC drug is not advisable, BUT its much better to take paracetamol than anything aspirin based.

It's only been for the last couple of weeks really. Normally I don't often get headaches. I try to hold off having any paracetamols for as long as I can but then it gets so blindingly painful that I can't bear it any more and succumb to a little capsule or two. I'm really fed up with it. GP seems to think it's a nasty viral thing that won't shift.

Hi there Joanne and prefernot. Sorry you're feeling so s**t.

Yes, stress certainly can make you physically ill - particularly with these kinds of unspecific symptoms. Headaches are a main one. A friend of mine who was going through a horrible time recently actually ended up in hospital for a few days because she was having such bad headaches (no organic cause was found). Stressing and feeling unwell can be a vicious circle - and it is hard to break. Joanne, I'm not suggesting you 'have a problem', but a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be worth a try, to learn to break the cycle of worry. It isn't about dwelling on childhood issues and shouldn't have a stigma attached - it's just basically learning coping techniques. You do need to look after the physical side of things too though - get a thorough check-over at the docs (just to rule out any serious organic cause) and MummytoSteven's tips (sport, healthy diet etc.) are very important as well.

It is, of course, also possible that there is a lingering virus which it is difficult to identify - it's important to have a healthy diet and as much rest and worry-free time as possible because of the danger of it turning into something more long-term.

Sorry, didn't want to scare you with that - it is unlikely that this will develop into something 'serious', but unwellness is certainly a sign from our bodies that we need to look after ourselves especially well.

Thank you so much for your responses. You have all helped a great deal. berolina - you didnt scare me dont worry! Thanks, I have taken your advice on board.