The Silent Storm: How Stress Impacts Your Health (and My Crohn's)

Stress. We all experience it. It's that tightening in your chest, the racing thoughts, the inability to truly relax. But what many don't realize is the profound, and sometimes devastating, impact stress can have on our physical and mental well-being. It's not just a feeling; it's a physiological response that can wreak havoc on our bodies.  This month is stress awareness month.  Did you even know that was a thing?  

Think of stress like a constant, low-grade alarm system. When we're stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, designed to help us cope with perceived threats. While this "fight-or-flight" response is essential for survival in short bursts, chronic stress keeps that alarm blaring, leading to a cascade of negative effects.

For me, the impact is particularly acute. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2022, I quickly learned that stress is a major trigger for my flares. My gut, already sensitive and inflamed, seems to amplify every anxious thought and worry. It's a cruel irony: the very condition causing me stress is also exacerbated by it.

It's not just negative stress, either. Even positive excitement can throw my system off balance. That giddy anticipation before Christmas morning? For me, it often translates into a sleepless night and a day spent managing uncomfortable symptoms. My body doesn't always distinguish between good and bad stress; it simply reacts to the surge of hormones.

When my doctor told me I needed to manage my stress to control my Crohn's, I jokingly told people he said I was going to die. It wasn't far from the truth, given how much stress I deal with. My life is a complex tapestry woven with challenges: Crohn's itself, my wife's bipolar disorder, four children, a menagerie of pets, running two businesses, the heartbreak of estrangement, and fractured family relationships.

It's a lot. And it's a constant reminder that stress isn't just an abstract concept; it's a tangible force shaping my daily life.

Over time, I've learned (albeit imperfectly) to manage the relentless pressure. I've discovered the power of mindfulness, slow breathing, and prioritizing self-care. I’ve learned to recognize the warning signs before a flare hits, and to give myself permission to slow down.

But the truth is, stress is a part of life. We can't eliminate it entirely. What we can do is learn to manage it, to build resilience, and to recognize the importance of prioritizing our well-being.

Whether you're dealing with a chronic illness, a demanding job, or the everyday pressures of life, remember that stress is a powerful adversary. It's essential to acknowledge its impact, seek support when needed, and prioritize your mental and physical health. Because in the long run, managing stress isn't just about feeling better; it's about living better.