I am going through the sudden loss of my sister who was only in her 30's (funeral was just this week).  I can't even think straight yet, but I know we've had discussions about how major stress can affect Lyme Disease.  For those of you who have sufferered this type of major stress, what do you suggest so I don't get worse?  I've been at about 80% of normal to this point.  No longer on antibiotics, but doing lots of supplementals.  Our family is close and close in proximity, so I do have good support, and my husband has been great too.  Thanks.

So so sorry for your loss.  I too lost a brother suddenly and very young and it sent me spiraling downwards while sick but not knowing it was lyme.  Managing stress is crucial when you have lyme.  I have completely changed my lifestyle to try and get well.  Don't be afraid of using meds to help control anxiety or depression.  I have had to resort to them or I was not going to get well.  They have been a godsend and I am truly enjoying life again instead of dwelling on being sick.  I have also taken up relaxation methods such as deep breathing, crocheting and just relaxing instead of stressing.  Best of luck to you. 

Tala,

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing family is the hardest thing anyone has to deal with. I lost my uncle and the stress of it sent my symptoms sky rocketing. I actually was holding in so much sadness and anxiety that i gave myself a hiatal hernia and GERD. Its so important to manage stress, so so very important.

I found that movies i loved as a kid, as silly as it seems, really helped me feel better. Familiar things, like going to my parents house, sitting with their dogs, watching old movies. Hot chocolate and tea helped. (comfort foods!) Hot baths with epsom salts, and believe it or not magnesium supplpements helped reduce my stress levels. I was hurting for a while because due to the anxiety over being ill with lyme and the loss of my uncle (shortly followed by my grandmother, and then my childhood friend) I was informed by my LLMD that I was exhausting my adrenals. I was having mental breakdowns on a regular basis!

Yoga, meditation and deep breathing helped a lot as well. I found that naps in places other than my bed, as weird as that seems, also helped calm me down. Especially naps in the sunlight.

I really do hope you get well, it will all be okay. Everything is better with time, and try to remember happy memories when you think about your sister, and it might help you to laugh and smile rather than be sad.

Much love to you and yours
toboein

Thank you all for your support and suggestions. My sister was younger than me, married but no children. She did have a medical problem, but was doing very well, and we couldn't have been more shocked by this. I will try some of your suggestions, we sure don't need more problems at this point! Thank you again.