Stress

Hi, !

Actually, a stressful event is often mentioned as a "trigger" for many of our members that seems to activate the RA. So, we don't know why, yet, but for many people with RA (though not all) there is an event or a series of events that seems to awaken that overactive immune response that is a hallmark of autoimmune conditions like RA. That stressor could be any number of things -- an illness, surgery, injury, stressful life event, etc. Really, whatever the body perceives as stress can trigger it. And, while researchers are hesitant to say that RA is genetic, there does appear to be a genetic component to it. Here's some information on RA risks, causes, and triggers that I thought you might find helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/causes. Also, here's an article on the topic of RA and heredity -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/genetics-environmental-factors. We are still learning why some people in a family get RA and others don't and why some people seem to have that overactive immune response and others don't. I hope the continues research brings some definitive answers in our lifetime.

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Stress seems to be a leading ‘cause’ or trigger for so many diseases, and RA is definitely one of the conditions people link to big stressful events. So it totally makes sense you’re connecting the timing to what you went through, especially since you were perfectly healthy before 30. Do you notice your symptoms flare more during certain types of stress? -Latoya (Team Member)

Yes it seems to, but others where things seem to be normal. I’ve been on depression and anxiety meds. It just seems like your body does what it wants at other times. So hard to trace and figure out. Thank you