Breakups & Divorce Support Group

Just broke up with someone or in the midst of a difficult divorce? Breaking up is difficult no matter what the circumstances are. They say that time heals all wounds, but sometimes a listening ear or a hug can work wonders for the heart. Whether you need a place to vent, someone to hold you to No Contact, or need advice about what to do, we're here to help.

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felifel 05/20/2014

I have been separated from my ex for about 9 months now. It has definitely been an emotional roller-coaster. But about a month ago, my whole mouth broke out in canker sores. If you've ever had just one of these, you know how painful they can be. I had like 50! It took 10 days for them to heal. I went to two different doctors to try and figure out what caused this. One doc told me it was most likely caused by a (herpes-like) virus the other told me I ate something that my body was allergic to. I had read that stress was one of the causes of canker sores but they assured me that was not the reason. (I also read that these are not caused by a virus.) I couldn't help but wonder if emotional stress was why because it all started after my ex got upset at me then came asking for forgiveness right before that. This caused me a great deal of emotional stress. So a couple weeks have passed and then again this weekend my ex texted me telling me how sorry he was and how he was in so much pain. I felt really bad for him and it made me sad to hear that but I tried not to let it get to me in fear that I might get the sores again and I got over it. But guess what? Last night I started to get the first beginning symptoms I did the last time - tired, sore throat feeling. No sores yet, but I really hope they don't come back.

Has anyone else had any physical reaction to stress? I have heard some people breakout in rashes and stuff like that.

cyclonesfan 05/20/2014

Yes, I always break out in cold sores. ALWAYS

happymama2j 05/20/2014

i have had patients of all ages, even children, break out in all kinds of thing related to stress. rashes, hives, canker sores, cold sores, shingles. while some will say that stress does not cause these things, i have seen them in correlation with stress. stress absolutely can lower your immune system. add in the lack of sleep, lack of "quality" sleep, changes in diet, changes in activity, added responsibilities that can all go along with separation/divorce, and yes i absolutely think it could be r/t your stress. i have had patients have success mixing up Magic Mouthwash at home to help w the pain (mix equal parts Children's Liquid Benadryl, Maalox, and a splash of Chloroseptic throat numbing spray into a big bottle, swish and spit this several times a day). hopefully they won't come back though. big big hugs to you! :D

11Christmases 05/20/2014

I had physical symptoms of stress right around the time of my separation too. Every other week, around the time I had to turn the kids over to my STBX, I would get a horrible nosebleed. I normally never get nosebleeds, but this came right on schedule whenever I had to see him. It was always out of the same side of my nose. I chalked it up to anxiety. It is scary when something new like this pops up all of a sudden.

Your symptoms sound so uncomfortable. I hope it clears up with time. Mine did.

felifel 05/21/2014

Thank you, happymama. it is good to hear this from a health professional. I know the stress did cause the sores despite what my doctor said. Luckily I was able to control my emotions this time and the beginning symptoms have stopped and no sores yet. :-) I will consider trying your magic mouthwash if this every happens again. I was given a prescription mix mouthwash and that numbed my mouth for a few minutes.

11chrismases, nosebleeds sound horrible. It does sound like your stress/anxiety brought these on. It's definitely scary to have these kinds of reactions!

gem111 05/21/2014

I absolutely agree with everyone.
Stress really can even kill.
Lots of people have said that stress caused their Diverticulitis to flare up. I know this is true as stress is what caused mine to flare up. When I retired from my stressful job, my flares stopped.
I think stress is more to blame than anyone even imagines.
Of course Dr.'s think that is crazy.

deleted_user 05/21/2014

I had an ulcer.

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