You can expect to feel stressed while waiting for test results for systemic mastocytosis (SM). Being diagnosed with a chronic rare disease is life-changing; on the other hand, not being diagnosed means you’ll still be searching for answers.
A diagnosis of SM can take time to confirm. Several diagnostic tests are usually needed, so it may take weeks to learn the results. The long wait is often a time of anxiety. Recognizing what you’re feeling and taking steps to prioritize your wellbeing can help ease a little of the stress.
How to recognize your anxiety
Anxiety takes a toll on both your body and your mind. Learning to recognize when you’re feeling stressed or fearful is the first step to managing anxiety and reducing its impact.
Emotional or psychological symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Feelings of panic, dread, worry, uneasiness or fear.
- Feeling teary.
- Avoiding social situations and people.
- Irritability.
- Intrusive thoughts.
- Trouble concentrating.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Chest pain.
- Irregular heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Dizziness and feeling lightheaded.
- Headaches.
- Trembling.
- Fatigue.
- Shortness of breath.
- Shallow, rapid breathing.
- Restlessness.
- Dry mouth.
- Nausea or stomach pain.
- Trouble going to sleep and staying asleep.
Tips for managing your anxiety
Waiting for test results and a possible confirmation of an SM diagnosis is a time of uncertainty, and it may feel overwhelming. At the same time, you’re likely coping with symptoms of your disease.
Read more about SM signs and symptoms
If you do have SM, emotional stress and anxiety are known triggers for symptom episodes. Finding ways to manage your anxiety is essential to successfully navigating this challenging time. Here are some tips you may find helpful:
- Try meditating to calm your mind.
- Practice deep breathing to relax your mind and body.
- Make time for low-impact physical exercise to boost your mood and help you sleep.
- Ask for support from family and friends, to talk it out or distract you from the topic.
- Speak to a therapist about your anxiety and associated symptoms.
- Support your overall health with a low-histamine diet.
- Find ways to occupy your time and mind, to avoid intrusive thoughts or excessive worry.
- Keep a journal to track your anxiety and how it is fluctuates.
Waiting for a diagnosis can be an anxious time, but remember it is for a limited time only. The benefit of receiving an SM diagnosis is that you have an answer to your symptoms, and you can start treatment.
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