STRESS MAKING THINGS WORSE?

[JillJ]

Hi, wonder if anybody has any experience of going through a stressful time with ataxia (idiopathic late onset cerebellar)? I wonder if stress can make it worse, and conversely, if the easing of a stressful situation can alleviate the symptoms or make them slightly better?

[Daisychain18]

Hi Jill my symptoms definitely get worse with the slightest bit of stress. I also get stressed about things that I never used to get stressed about before! Everyone generally tries to keep things calm around me but that doesn't always work! I have spastic ataxia type 1 (SPAX1) take care and hopefully stay stress free!

Ann

[klazien]

My diagnosis of Late Onset Idiopathic Cerebellar Ataxia came 10 years ago. I had a very stressful life just before that but that had eased up a lot when the Ataxia started.

My condition deteriorates (this is normal for Ataxia) whether there is stress in my life or not and has never improved.

I find that the symptoms are worse when I am tired though.

[DesRay57]

I think you have got it right I am very stressed with my wife in hospital for now nearly 3 years, and with other issues it obviously makes my CA much worse but erratic, and with it Depression and Anxiety.

[neta]

Hi there Jillj,

My ataxia iis believed to be auto-immune induced but i fact I had a super stressful life from 2004-2009, the crucial years. Like in the case of "Klaizen" the stress has generally stopped but crowds,stress, night and alcohol can make everything worse.N

[wobblybee]

Yesterday, I was on my own in a Supermarket supervising my Uncle (88 and verging on Dementia). My husband had left us to collect a prescription. I was having an 'off-day', difficult at the best of times, being forced to think for two people increased the stress.

No matter how much we are aware of the need to keep stress to a minimum, life succeeds in getting in the way😏xB

[isabelalfaiate]

Hi jillj

Yes stress affects me, if I am calm all goes better. I take deep breaths to destress and after that I am much better. Keep calm.

best wishes

[february]

Dear Jillj, I think stress makes my ataxia worse. Also, I get stressed-out and anxious over things that never bothered me before! I find it impossible to rush or multitask, therefore I go slower and do one thing at a time. Also, I find I get fatigued more easily, so I try to rest a bit when I need to. My first husband died at 43 years old (I was 42 and we had two children, 12 and 14 years old) a year before I started noticing very mild symptoms of ataxia. Therefore, I asked my neurologist if stress can cause ataxia. He said no, but I've always secretly wondered..., ;o)

[kathie29 in reply to february]

my husband died recently,he was my caregiver.Can the stress of his death make my ataxia worse?

[violasrbest]

Hi Jillj

Stress definitely makes my ataxia worse, to such an extent that I use my ataxia as a sign of my stress level. If it's worse than normal, I'm probably stressed (or tired), even though I'm unaware of the stress. I am sure that reducing stress levels must reduce the symptoms of ataxia.

[LBenyon]

I have always been told my RA and Ataxia gets worse with any

sort of stress!!

[chelpet]

I agree totally. I have Good days and a Bad days. The Bad days occur when I’m tired or stressed. Those two categories are so linked, and I find that stress management therapies are so important to my wellbeing, functioning and happiness. The stigmas around Mental Health, Therapy and Stress Management are an obstacle.

Peter K

[Pam_ann]

Three weeks ago I significantly improved in all aspects of my ataxia. This lead me to thinking why and the only reason is a very stressful problem was resolved. Therefore I felt I had to reply to the comment by Jillj even tho it was posted 6 yrs ago. It may be of interest to someone.