Stressed?: Just wondering, does anyone... - Scleroderma & Ray...

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK)

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Stressed?

Lizzie10xx profile image
9 Replies

Just wondering, does anyone else find that stress/anger/upset can trigger your Raynauds?

I'm having a hard time at school, starting A levels amongst many other problems, so any tips on how to handle stress and such which effects my raynauds would be much appreciated (:

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Lizzie10xx profile image
Lizzie10xx
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9 Replies
RosemerryVenet profile image
RosemerryVenet

Oh yes! Even stress at happy occasions brings it on - my brother's wedding, for instance. However, I haven't any remedies, I am afraid.

Good luck in your exams.

LynnCox profile image
LynnCox

I was under a great deal of stress last week and on one particular day my hands were like ice - the silver goves helped until I calmed down. Wearing the silver gloves while wrapping your hands around a hot drink really helps.

JPhlps profile image
JPhlps

I also find that any type of emotional stress, be it happiness, anxiety, anger or even being upset can bring on an attack. When I notice that my hands are starting to get cold I'll try to identify to what stress I'm under and address that. Normally it's a case of trying to relax my mind, do something to focus my thoughts on one thing instead of many little things. That used to help me but it is quite difficult to do of you have a lot going on.

My best advice is to try and maintain a steady emotional level, try not to get overly excited, angry or upset. By no means cut off your emotions, just try to adapt your physical response to that emotion.

I hope that helps, even just a little. Best of luck with your exams!

:) x

AliW profile image
AliW

Hello :) I totally understand what you mean & YES I experience this too - it's horrid. Literally if I feel anxious/ stressed I can watch the colour change in the hands.... sounds strange but I get a sort of rushing sensation down the forearms & within moments I am in the midst of a Raynauds attack :( Seems only when stressed rather than happy emotions though for me - I will try to think of some relaxing tips for exams it was quite some time since I was doing those ! ;) Take good care Alison x

foxglove profile image
foxglove

Hi,

Agree with most of this Exception being when angry - does NOT cause an attack ,I'm not an "angry" person, maybe unfortunately

zenabb profile image
zenabb

Yes, stress affects Raynaud's, but I don't worry about avoiding stress, I try to see the best side to things AND I keep my body warm with many layers. I also use the warm mycoal packs that last 8 hours if necessary and my silver gloves. Could you get permission to use them for your exams?

Don't get Raynaud's spoil your life. Get organised is what I do. Study in a warm room.

Good luck.

Hannah_x profile image
Hannah_x

hi,

i know how you feel i started my A-levels last year and was put under a lot of stress that made raynauds trigger a lot more. As everyone else is saying the best thing is to keep warm !. most of my college work has to be done at home and this would make me get annoyed because i was trying to do all my work at once, but i found that planning out what work to do on what days helps to cut stress a little bit. I find that talking to my friends and listening to music takes my mind off it aswell.

:) hope it helps

bookworm profile image
bookworm

hi, stress, being upset and my anxiety, often affects my raynauds. If you have a dog take it out, walking the dog often helps to chill me out. If you have any stress balls, squeezing them might help. Also the RSA website as some exercises you could do with the stress balls. Talking to friends and family, tutors about the stress you are under, for advice and support. Listening to music, reading, probably shouldn't advocate this chocolate often helps me unwind. Also its a good idea to have a bit of you time, where you just relax. Don't let raynauds rule you.

good luck with your A-levels and hope this helps.

ssulli profile image
ssulli

Yes Id say that my raynauds is worse when Im stressed, upset or angry. Sometimes it can be my raynauds that makes me realise how much things are getting to me. So I make sure I take some time for myself to relax. If its something like an exam that Ive got coming up I try and plan in some me time as well as study time to help balance things.

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