I used to think anxiety was just nervous energy—like being a little tense before a presentation or jittery during turbulence on a flight. But over time, I realized that what I was experiencing wasn’t just nerves. It was anxiety on a deeper level, the kind that starts to interfere with daily life, relationships, even decisions…
It’s strange how anxiety can sneak up on you. I remember standing in line at a grocery store, heart racing, palms sweaty, convinced something awful was about to happen. Nothing did. But the feeling lingered. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed for no clear reason, you’re not alone—and chances are, anxiety has touched your life 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 rheumatoid arthritis affect memory? This question pops up more often than you might think, especially from patients and families navigating the day-to-day challenges of living with RA. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition goes far beyond just joint pain and stiffness. It can also touch…
If you’ve ever felt your heart racing out of nowhere, palms sweaty, breath quickening, and then noticed your blood pressure shoot up, you’re not alone. Blood pressure changes during panic attacks can be confusing and downright alarming, especially when you’re trying to manage hypertension or keep your cardiovascular health in check. I’ve seen countless patients…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chances are you’ve had those days—those heavy, overwhelming, emotionally exhausting days. And you’re not alone. One of the best ways to deal with rheumatoid arthritis depression is first acknowledging it’s a real, valid part of this disease. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I can’t tell you how often…
Can emotional stress worsen asthma? That’s a question I’ve heard countless times from my patients—and it’s one I take seriously as a pulmonary nurse practitioner. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply our emotional well-being is tied to our physical health. Stress doesn’t just mess with your mood or sleep; it can hit your…
Can digital detox help blood pressure? It’s a question I’ve been getting more often than you’d think—usually from patients who are at their wit’s end juggling stress, screen time, and skyrocketing BP readings. As an internal medicine physician who’s spent the better part of a decade managing hypertension, I’ve learned that not all solutions come…
If you’ve ever had a patient sit across from you, eyes wide with frustration and pain, asking, “Why am I flaring up again when I haven’t missed a dose of my meds?”, you’re not alone. I’ve heard this more times than I can count. And one of the most overlooked triggers I often find myself…