Stress Management for CFIDS and FMS
Body and Soul
by John Wilson
a Licensed Professional Counselor who has CFIDS
Most doctors agree that stress plays a role in CFIDS/FMS. This is not to say that stress originally caused the CFIDS/FMS, but rather it exacerbates the illness. Most people with CFIDS or FMS know this all too well. Here are some things that you can do to manage the stress in your life.
- Get off the approval wagon. Ultimately we can never do enough to please others. It can be a vicious cycle that leads to doing things to get the approval of others and becoming frustrated when others do not respond to us the way we want them to.
- Let go of your expectations of others. For the most part people do not understand your CFIDS/FMS. As hard as they try, they will never fully understand unless they have been there themselves. Expecting others to understand when they can't will only be stressful.
- Find something that you enjoy doing. Take up a hobby or interest. Although you may not be able to pursue it much of the time, enjoy it on your good days.
- Don't isolate yourself. Not talking to others leads to a great deal of anxiety. If you cannot get out much, consider using the phone or internet to socialize.
- Quit putting yourself under unnecessary physical and emotional strain. We know this leads to relapse or more intense symptoms. Do what you can to reasonably cut back on such stresses.
- Make a list of people or groups to call in a crisis. Plan ahead for those difficult times we all face.
- Do something each week to work on your relationships with others. This is not a "I need from you" time, but a "Be a blessing to someone" time. If you constantly take, no one will want to be around you.
- Work on your relationship with God.
- Do your best to get rid of anger. Anger is a burden on your body. Learn to forgive.
- Eat right. Unhealthy eating habits put undue stress on your body.
John is a professional counselor at Christian Counseling Associates in SW Ft. Worth. He tries to keeps up with the work of Cheney, Teitelbaum, Goldstein and others. He has worked with many CFIDS/FM patients and finds that what he has to offer can usually be accomplished in two to six sessions. 888.222.9030.
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Update 01/09/05. For questions or comments concerning this site, please contact Lori or Deborah.
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