We all know that stress can affect us, causing headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and other health problems. And now, new research provides further evidence that stress can be extraordinarily harmful, resulting in serious damage to the immune system.
A recent study, which was conducted at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, found that people who experience considerable stress may have a greater likelihood of developing an autoimmune disorder. These results were based on an extensive assessment of the medical records of men and women residing in Sweden between 1981 and 2013. The subjects were 106,464 adults who had sought treatment for a stress-related psychiatric problem, and the control groups were 126,652 of their siblings and more than one million unrelated individuals, none of whom were experiencing a stress-induced disorder.
Among the participants with stress-related issues, who had an average age of psychiatric disorder diagnosis of 41, the likelihood of 41 kinds of autoimmune diseases occurring was much greater than that of their peers or siblings with no psychiatric history. Certain psychiatric diagnoses were associated with a significantly higher risk of autoimmune dysfunction than others, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers facing an increased chance of developing more than one autoimmune disorder, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, some types of autoimmune diseases were more closely correlated to high stress levels in the subjects than others. For instance, the risk for celiac disease was greater than that of rheumatoid arthritis.
While the study was not designed to prove that mental stress directly results in the development of autoimmune diseases, it did show a strong association between the two. Similar links have been found in earlier research, such as a 2015 study at the University of California, San Francisco that determined a connection in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who had been diagnosed with PTSD and greater rates of autoimmune diseases.
So how do you deal with stress? Having a strong faith in the Creator and healthy family relationships is the beginning of a strong foundation. Seeking counseling when needed and support groups are another great option. Taking advantage of the fabulous AnxioCalm by Terry Naturally designed for relief of stress, tension, anxiety, and restless sleep. Also, try Dr. Jocelin’s Stress Release Essential Oil Blend which is her #1 selling essential oil. As well as check out the rest of our stress reducing products.
