Living with a chronic illness comes with enough baggage—doctor visits, tests, meds, flare-ups. But no one really talks about the constant *what ifs* that creep in. That slow but steady thrum of fear that shadows every symptom flare or unexpected ache. That, my friend, is **chronic illness anxiety**, and it’s not just in your head….
I used to wonder if my constant worrying, racing thoughts, and low-key dread came from something I picked up along the way—or if it had always been there. Growing up, I watched my mom obsessively recheck the stove every night. My older sister would get physically sick before school exams. It wasn’t until I hit…
Can Asthma Be Triggered by Laughing or Crying? A 4-Week Journey to Understanding and Managing Your Triggers Asthma is a complex condition, and many people wonder if emotions like laughter or crying can actually trigger their symptoms. The short answer is yes—strong emotional responses can cause changes in your breathing pattern that might set off…
Can asthma be triggered by excitement? You bet it can—and as a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen this firsthand more times than I can count. Most people think asthma only flares up from physical exertion, cold air, or allergens like dust and pet dander. But emotional responses—especially intense ones like excitement—can be powerful triggers too….
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not just about managing physical symptoms like joint pain and stiffness; it’s also deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. From my years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA and emotional support ideas play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the daily challenges this chronic…
Can asthma be triggered by emotions? That’s a question I’ve heard countless times in my years working as a pulmonary nurse practitioner. From patients who notice their breathing worsens during stressful family moments to those who feel anxiety tightening their chest, the connection between our emotional state and asthma symptoms is undeniable—and quite fascinating. While…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) goes beyond just managing physical symptoms. While we often focus on joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, one of the most overlooked aspects of RA is how it impacts your emotional health. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how much the psychological burden of RA can affect my patients….
Rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on sexual health isn’t exactly the first thing that comes up in doctor’s visits. But trust me, as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had plenty of patients quietly pull me aside to ask, “Is it normal for my sex life to take a hit because of my RA?” The short…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. As someone who’s spent years diagnosing, treating, and supporting people with RA, I’ve witnessed firsthand the physical pain it can cause—and the emotional toll it takes. It’s more than just joints that are affected; it impacts the way we feel, think, and approach life…