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Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum. I'm 34 years old and I've had Reynaud's for as long as I can remember - definitely since I was 10, maybe younger.

I've learned over the years to do all kinds of things to stay warm. But recently, I've started to notice that when I'm feeling cold I tend to have a pretty severe emotional reaction. I think this has gotten worse in the past few years. Does anyone else have this problem?

In general, I notice that when I get stuck somewhere without my usual army of warm layers of clothing, and start to feel the effects of the cold, I feel like crying and I begin to feel depressed and despairing.

It just isn't possible to control my environment and situation all the time, so these cases seem unavoidable - but they're really devastating.

I'd love to hear if anyone else can relate...

Hello forestchipmunk and welcome to the forum.

I think it is very common to get get depressed when you have a chronic disease like Raynaud's. Have you mentioned your mood changes to your doctor? If you are not on medication to control attacks your mood changes may indicate it is time to discuss taking a prescription medication for Raynaud's.

I hope to see more of your posts.

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Secondary Raynaud's with a connective tissue disease

I know when I'm out with friends, everyone else is warm. I'm cold. Makes me very unhappy.
As soon as I step into a warmer place, I immediately feel happier and relaxed.

Hi Forestchipmunk,
I think you may have hit on what to do - relax. It took me awhile to get that down! My symptoms started to subside - but not have not gone completely away over the years (about 18). I don't have the bad attacks that came on with white numb fingers and extremities and blue spots when the blood and color started coming back. I found when I was not stressing over being cold, I felt so much better. I have been diagnosed with Primary Raynauds with tendencies of other diseases.
Good luck,
Spinqueen

Hi Forestchipmunk,

I'm now in my early fifties and have a moderate disability from birth and I know how it can get really depressing. I'm now on antidepressants since my late thirties but at times I still cry. But crying can sometimes help to release our inner most frustrations. Raynauds is new to me and to say the least, I'm "shit cared" to bits. I don't know how you have coped with Raynauds thing for so long, as I've only been diagnosed in June?

Living with any form of illness or disability is depressing for us all but at times we all need to seek help and support. I wish I had your courage to help and educate myself on all the tips and tricks around coping with this awfully cold disease.....

Talk with your Doctor and don't be ashamed of needing help for depression.

Take care Forestchipmunk and stay in touch, Mike

Hi Chippy,

From your user name it sounds like you love the outdoors. Do you get outside much?

My raynaud's started @ 50 and gets really bad. I had to drop out of classes (that I truly enjoyed and that caused many tears) because I was so cold and couldn't concentrate. I couldn't get comfortable (I also have Fibro, osteoarthritis, depression, etc). I feel the emotions and frustrations that go along with not being able to do what I want, school, work, fun. I have other chronic health issues as well, with lots of pain. I get weepy and lonely.

BUT, I try to be proactive and creative in trying to figure out what kind of changes might help me. Exercise, diet, relaxation are so important. Also, I am researching moving to a more hospitable climate. While, I know that this action won't cure many of my ailments, it might improve my quality of life, as I could be outside walking more and socializing. Also, I am looking into areas that don't rely on AC as much.

Well, that's what I think might help me.
Let us know what you find works for you.
Amy

I can definately relate, I didn't relate my bad moods to my coldness until recently. My days can be very long, wearing an undershirt, sweater, overjacket, heated gloves, and still cold (indoors). Then someone walks by my desk and asks- hey you cold? Depressing, even angry, at times!

I keep small squares of dark chocolate in my desk and eat one, once or twice a day- try it, if nothing else the chocolate might make you feel a bit better.

Hi Amy, I noticed in your post you mentioned you have Raynauds and fibro. I was diagnosed this past fall with Raynauds and last month with fibro. I have an appt with my doc in April to discuss treatment options. Just wondering if you know if there is a connection between the two? Also any coping strategies that you find helPaul for either condition. It is really hard to be cold and tired all the time
Thanks

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Sherie

I have prob had raynauds for 10 years now and it definately is worstening. I get quite stressed and upset when I feel my it coming on. I have heard that stress can make symptoms worse. I have noticed that i tense up when i feel my hands are going and have learned that this makes it happen quicker. Sometimes i can't think or function when it's bad. I find i have to keep moving as staying still feels worse. If i do get stressed about it, my forearms seem to go as well so hands don't move well until i warm up.

I think trying to avoid getting caught out, trying to calm your breathing and don't tense hands/arms helps a bit. Remember signs of a panic attack include tingle/numb hands. It's the stress that reduces periph circ in that case. We don't need both! Easy to say I know!

I also agree that it's quite normal that you feel depressed along with the disease. It's something you cannot control completely and it's normal. I think it's important to talk with the doctor about this phenomenon if it gets worse. And I really like Outdoorlover's suggestion to carry serenata chocolates with you! It's a good way to get a positive mood.

Edited: 04/11/2012 at 02:09 AM by johnmpo

I thought it was me that only got moodswings tehee, I find that I snap at people easily (even when I'm not cold). I don't know if general mood swings are related or not, but I'd love to know and I bet my mom would love to know too.

I hate snapping and being mood/angry but I genuinely can't control myself sometimes x

Amylee and Frizzshe123 I also have Raynauds and Fibro and I can relate to being cold and in pain all at once. As for coping strategies, OTC meds don't work for me at all for Raynaud's so for that I just stay warm. For my Fibro, I take Lyrica; that seems to be the only thing that works for me but like Raynaud's there is not a one size fits all coping strategy that works for everyone so over the past six years it has been a case of trial and error for me. I cannot say Lyrica is a 100% cure all, it just seems to take the edge off and it does not prevent me from crashing, that still happens, but it does lessen the intensity a bit where my downtime is somewhat minimized. I also rely on online support groups like this one which has been a wealth of knowledge for me and there is someone online or a post available 24 hours a day when I need the support. The one I use for my fibro is www.fibrotalk.com . There are folks out there with the same combination of Raynauds/Fibro that you might be able to chat or jump on their forum for support. Hang in there, we have a community to relate with and that has been most helpful to me knowing that I am not alone.

I sympathize and relate. And I agree with others here that say that the stress you're feeling is feeding the Raynaud's monster. More stress leads to greater Raynaud's symptoms. I have dealt with anxiety disorders/panic attacks in the past, and I can attest that it is easy to spiral quickly out of control. When you get into a bad situation, try to put it into perspective with more positive thoughts ("this is only a temporary reaction to the cold and I'll be fine soon." or just "Relax...Relax..."). Reject thoughts that come to you like "I'm so cold. I can't stand this. How could I forget my sweater?" We have to watch our thoughts -- one of my favorite quotes comes from pastor Joyce Meyer: "Think about what you are thinking about."

If you can arrest your negative thoughts, you may at least stop the downward spiral to despair. I do understand and appreciate your candor in your post.

Also, if you can excuse yourself and have a moment to calm your mind and move your body, I'm sure that could help. Find a stairwell and run a few floors up and down or take a brisk walk to improve circulation and divert your negative thoughts. God bless.