Christine McGuinness, 37, feeling ‘overwhelmed and scared’ after revealing secret health battle that makes everyday life for her ‘challenging’

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Christine McGuinness is said to be feeling overwhelmed and frightened after recently revealing her private health struggles to her followers.

The 37-year-old model recently learned she has Raynaud’s syndrome. Doctors diagnosed her after she began experiencing problems with her hands, including occasional cramping and freezing.

I’ve been following this condition closely, and it’s really important to understand. It impacts a surprising number of people – around 10 to 15% of us in the UK, actually. Basically, it means that blood doesn’t flow as well to your hands and feet, especially your fingers and toes, and that can cause real problems.

Christine described how stress causes her fingers to turn white, go numb, and become unable to move, offering a glimpse into what it’s like living with her condition. She shared this with Femail.

People close to the former Real Housewives of Cheshire star have shared that she’s feeling frightened after receiving her diagnosis.

According to a source, Christine tends to worry a lot, and she became particularly stressed about this recent health issue, especially given everything else she’s been dealing with.

They told The Mirror that Christine was very concerned when her symptoms and seizures first began.

Her first thought was that something terrible had happened. Thankfully, it’s just Raynaud’s, which isn’t usually serious, and she’s expected to be fine, although it’s still unpleasant for her.

Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Christine for comment.

Christine described how the condition sometimes forces her to pause her activities until her hands feel better. This can be difficult, especially when she’s juggling work and family responsibilities.

The mother of three explained that she sometimes feels ashamed or let down in herself, like she’s to blame because she hasn’t handled stress or taken good care of herself.

Honestly, what’s toughest for me is when these episodes completely derail my day. It’s not just the physical stuff, it’s the feeling of disappointment in myself when I have to stop everything until I feel better. It’s like I’ve failed to meet my own expectations, and that’s really frustrating.

Raynaud’s is usually brought on by cold temperatures and causes minor symptoms. However, for Christine, it’s linked to a more serious health issue.

Okay, so my doctor finally explained what’s been happening to me! It turns out my Raynaud’s is all tied to stress – years and years of it, honestly. She said it’s connected to my anxiety, and even panic attacks, and she’s wondering if past trauma might be playing a role too. The crazy thing is, it *only* happens when I’m really stressed out. Like, the symptoms just appear during those moments, which makes so much sense now!

As a lifestyle expert, I often see the connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health. What many people don’t realize is that long-term stress, particularly the kind linked to PTSD, can actually play a role in conditions like Raynaud’s. Essentially, when your body is stuck in a constant stress response, it can either trigger Raynaud’s to develop, or make existing symptoms much worse. It’s a powerful reminder that taking care of your mental health is crucial for your overall health!

“It was a complete surprise,” Christine said. “I knew about Raynaud’s, but always thought it was triggered by cold temperatures. I never imagined stress could affect my body so strongly.”

It felt like all the built-up stress and tension in my body suddenly became overwhelming. I suspect I might be dealing with some symptoms of PTSD, but it doesn’t seem to stem from a single traumatic event.

The diagnosis, she said, ‘has been a wake-up call to take better care of myself’.

Christine and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness married in 2011 and have three children together: twelve-year-old twins, Leo and Penelope, and their nine-year-old daughter, Felicity.

The couple separated in 2022, and Christine has recently shared that she was the one who initiated the divorce.

Appearing on the show *Celebs Go Dating*, she explained that the relationship ended because of a breach of trust. She ultimately decided she couldn’t continue after that.

Even now, I sometimes feel responsible for the breakup, even though we had 15 wonderful years together. Ultimately, when the respect is gone, it’s time to move on.

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2025-09-20 21:20