Can Holiday Stress Trigger Autoimmune Flare-Ups?

If you have an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, or another of the many disorders in which your body attacks your own tissues, you’re probably aware that sometimes flare-ups are caused by specific triggers. You may have certain foods you avoid, or perhaps you can’t get in the bright sun.

At A Woman’s Wellspring, Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, provides care for patients with autoimmune disorders through her primary care practice, complementary medicine, and supportive counseling. Dr. Taylor advises all of her patients to work toward a less stressful life, and that’s especially important for people with autoimmune disorders because stress is often a trigger for flare-ups.

The autoimmune-stress connection

Researchers are investigating the possible connections between stress and flare-ups. While no definitive evidence has yet been found, some interesting indicators suggest those connections exist.

For example, people who have a diagnosed stress-related disorder, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), are more likely to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Other researchers have found that as many as 80% of people with autoimmune disorders experienced some kind of unusual emotional distress before the onset of the disease.

The physical effects of stress

Even in people who don’t have autoimmune conditions, chronic stress can cause physical symptoms, such as:

Upset stomach
Headaches
Fatigue
Upset stomach
Frequent illness
Body pains

Chronic stress has also been associated with numerous chronic diseases. People who live with chronic stress have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, and many other conditions.

Holiday stress

As much pleasure and joy the holidays may bring, they also disrupt your routine, may highlight family disagreements, cause financial strain, and cause stress in other ways. And, because for many the season lasts from mid-November through January, it’s an extended period that carries extra stress.

All that extra worry can trigger autoimmune flare-ups, which in turn can create more stress.

Managing

All isn’t lost, and you’re not doomed to spend the holiday season in pain and discomfort. Here are some things you can do to help reduce holiday stress:

Prioritize rest
Stick to your routine as much as possible
Follow your usual diet as much as possible
Set aside time for relaxation regularly
Practice breathing exercises
Consider counseling to give yourself an outlet

Choose events carefully so that you don’t become overextended

If you’re concerned about stress this holiday season, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Taylor to talk through your concerns. She may be able to offer advice specific to your situation, such as complementary medicine modalities or counseling sessions.