Managing stress with myasthenia gravis

Last updated June 4, 2025, by Agata Boxe

 

Dealing with myasthenia gravis (MG) can be a daily balancing act. The extreme fatigue and muscle weakness from MG are challenging enough. Stress can make them even worse.

By finding ways to manage both MG and stress — from MG lifestyle tips to relaxation strategies — you may be able to feel more in control, both physically and emotionally, and possibly reduce its impact on your overall well-being.

How stress affects myasthenia gravis

Stress is one of the most common MG flare triggers. It can intensify your MG symptoms like difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking.

Signs of stress may include:

• being impatient or irritable
• experiencing sleep problems
• worsening of fatigue or other MG symptoms
• trouble with paying attention and focusing
• feeling anxious or worried.

MG can create a vicious cycle of stress causing symptoms or making them worse, which then leads to even more stress. Fortunately, there are ways to potentially break this pattern with daily habits to reduce stress and other lifestyle adjustments.

Daily habits for lowering stress

Coping with MG can be difficult, but creating a low-stress routine with a consistent daily schedule and built-in breaks can help you manage its potential impact.

First, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends. Maintaining a set sleep schedule can help you get more and better quality sleep, which is essential for managing stress with chronic illness.

Whenever possible, plan your workday around your energy levels. Try to take care of the most potentially stressful or demanding tasks when you tend to have the most energy. Tackling them when you’re a bit less fatigued may help you feel less overwhelmed.

Scheduling regular breaks is another way to manage fatigue and stress levels. You may also find that you need additional time to rest, especially on days when your symptoms flare up. Give yourself permission to do so — and be kind to yourself.

You also want to try to conserve energy and lower the stress related to daily living. If possible, delegate physically demanding tasks, such as cleaning or cooking, or find other ways to manage them. For example, consider using a robot vacuum to clean your house. To make meal prep easier, buy pre-chopped veggies instead of cutting them yourself.

Mind-body relaxation techniques

Combining short-term and long-term relaxation strategies can help you navigate the challenges of living with MG symptoms, such as fatigue or droopy eyelids.

Simple relaxation techniques to try at home include:

• deep breathing, where you breathe in slowly through the nose and exhale gradually through the mouth
• mindfulness meditation, where you focus on the present moment
• listening to calming music
• visualizing peaceful, relaxing places, like a beach at sunset or a lush forest
• journaling to release some of your emotions.

Long-term strategies involving gentle movement can help nurture your inner peace. With your doctor’s approval, you may want to try yoga stretches, tai chi, or personalized physical therapy.

Create a low-stress environment

MG muscle weakness can make it harder to open doors and get in and out of a chair. It can be stressful to try to adjust to mobility challenges, but modifying your home environment may make a difference.

Suggested home adaptations include:

• installing grab bars where needed
• getting a shower chair for the bathroom
• using an electric toothbrush.
• buying lightweight dishes and utensils
• keeping most frequently used kitchen items in easy reach
• storing food in small containers
• installing a chairlift if your home has stairs.

Keeping your home as quiet as possible can help you feel more at peace. Consider installing noise-reducing blinds or curtains or a white noise machine, which may also improve the quality of your sleep.

Build a support system

Having a strong support network plays a key role in managing your stress after being diagnosed with MG. Ideally, it should include members of your care team, family and friends, as well as others who are living with MG and can empathize with your experience.

First, if you are experiencing significant stress that may be affecting your MG symptoms, let your doctor know. They should be able to offer recommendations for addressing the issues.

Talking to family and friends during challenging times can help you feel more supported. Do what you can to stay in touch with them, either in person or virtually. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you haven’t heard from them in a while. Sometimes people get busy when life gets in the way.

Joining an MG support group, such as the Myasthenia Gravis News Facebook group, can provide you with the emotional understanding that’s key for dealing with stress. Your MG peers can also share advice on how they manage it.

Seek professional help

Dealing with the stress caused by MG and its effects on your life can feel overwhelming. To help you cope, you may want to consider therapy, an essential part of stress management for MG patients.

It is best to ask your MG doctor for a referral to a therapist, ideally one who specializes in mental health and chronic illness. They may be able to suggest stress relief techniques for chronic illness.

Many therapists offer their services via teleconferencing platforms, which is a good option to have if MG is interfering with your ability to drive or use other forms of transportation.

By modifying your daily habits, reaching out to your support system, and trying therapy, you can empower yourself to nurture your emotional well-being and help alleviate the stress of living with MG.

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Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.