Autoimmune Disease, Stress, and the Power of Rest: My Journey with Celiac Disease

Five years ago, I received a diagnosis that would change the way I viewed my health forever.

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system reacts to gluten, causing damage to the small intestine and affecting the body's ability to absorb nutrients properly. And, that is just part of it. 

For me, the diagnosis was both surprising and validating.

What I learned is that autoimmune disease is rarely simple.

And healing is rarely linear.

Understanding Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

There are more than 100 known autoimmune conditions, including:

• Celiac Disease

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Lupus

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

• Psoriasis

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Fibromyalgia

Each condition is different, but many people living with autoimmune disease share common experiences:

• Fatigue

• Inflammation

• Digestive issues

• Joint pain

• Brain fog

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Emotional exhaustion

Managing an autoimmune condition often requires a long-term commitment to supporting overall wellbeing.

When Stress Becomes Part of the Story

One of the most important things I learned on my own journey is that stress matters.

In my case, Celiac Disease is believed to be genetic.

The potential for it was likely always there.

Yet it remained dormant for many years.

Looking back, I experienced significant periods of stress, loss, trauma, caregiving responsibilities, and major life changes before symptoms became impossible to ignore.

While stress does not cause autoimmune disease by itself, research suggests that chronic stress may influence immune function and may contribute to the activation or worsening of symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Many people living with autoimmune conditions report similar experiences.

It's a reminder that our emotional wellbeing and physical wellbeing are deeply connected.

Learning That Rest Is Not Laziness

For much of my life, I believed productivity was the goal.

Push through.

Keep going.

Handle everything.

Rest could wait.

Living with an autoimmune condition taught me something very different.

Rest is not laziness.

Rest is part of healthcare.

Rest is part of healing.

Rest is part of prevention.

Today, intentional rest is one of the most important tools in my wellness toolbox.

Not because it cures anything.

But because it helps support my nervous system, my energy levels, and my overall wellbeing.

Rest is also intentional for me. It does not entail laying down glued to the television…only sometimes. LOL 

Daily Practices That Support Me

Over the years, I've learned that small, consistent practices often make the greatest difference.

Some of the practices that support me include:

• Mindful breathing

• Time in nature

• Gentle movement and stretching, daily

• Sound and meditation

• Reiki

• Prioritizing sleep

• Creating healthy boundaries

• Taking breaks before I feel completely depleted

• Practicing self-compassion

Perhaps most importantly, I've learned to stop fighting myself. I’ve learned to stop thinking that feeling the need for rest is a weakness in my character. 

Learning to Go Easy on Yourself

This may be one of the hardest lessons of all.

When living with any chronic condition, it can be easy to become frustrated with your body.

It can be easy to compare yourself to who you used to be and focus on what you can no longer do.  

Over time, I learned that healing is not supported by criticism. Self-criticism and healing rarely thrive in the same environment. 

Healing is supported by compassion.

Some days require productivity.

Some days require rest.

Both are valuable.

The more I learned to listen to my body rather than battle it, the more peaceful my relationship with my health became.

The Role of Sound and Deep Rest

One of the reasons I became so passionate about sound is because it offered something I didn't realize I was missing.

Stillness.

Permission to pause.

An opportunity to simply rest.

While sound baths are not a treatment for autoimmune disease and should never replace medical care, many people find that sound experiences help create space for relaxation, stress reduction, and nervous system support.

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is an hour where nothing is required of us.

No fixing, striving, performing, just resting.

The Power of One Hour

Living with an autoimmune condition has taught me that wellness isn't usually built through one dramatic action. It is built through small choices repeated over time.

One nourishing meal.

One walk.

One boundary.

One moment of self-compassion.

One intentional hour of rest.

The reality is that we cannot always control what happens to us but we can learn to support ourselves through it.

That support can begin with something as simple as slowing down, taking a breath, and giving ourselves permission to rest.

Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience living with Celiac Disease and is intended for educational and wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult their healthcare providers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management.