Stress

What is Stress, and How Does It Affect Me?

Biological Stress can present in extremely mild or severe levels, and can also negatively affect your immune system, leading to further illness. It normally occurs when we do not handle threats to our physical or emotional well-being, and can be a figment of our imagination or become a very real manifestation.

When we become stressed, we may feel a general sense of urgency due to increased adrenaline production, exhaustion, nausea and resistance to outside forces. Symptoms include tension, inability to sleep or concentrate, irritability, headaches and increased heart rate.

Stress, as a condition, was first defined in the 1930s by endocrinologist Hans Selye when researching physiological reactions in laboratory animals. Later, the term was popularly used when describing responses of humans to everyday challenges encountered in life. According to Selye, it is the reaction of the human or animal caused by an identified stressor.

Much of the population refers to ‘Stress' to describe perceived problems or difficulties, such as when we say we are "stressed out". In its mildest form it may only cause slight irritation, and may vary to include major problems resulting in a breakdown of health.

Eustress is an example of positive Stress; this is an adaptive response which initiates the use of internal physical resources to achieve a need or goal. An example of eustress is the enhanced function experienced, both physical and mental, as a result of exercise or being presented with a challenge. Conversely, if it persists and is not coped with or adapted to, this may result in experiencing anxiety or depression; this is referred to as distress.

Stressful situations can be caused by a number of things, including the several common changes experienced in one's lifetime. Death, marriage, having a child or starting a new job can cause stressful situations. Sometimes, secondary endocrine effects are also experienced as a result.

What is post traumatic Stress disorder?

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional illness. It usually develops after a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience. PTSD sufferers tend to re-experience the traumatic event or events in some way. They tend to avoid people, places, or other things that remind them of that same event, and are exquisitely sensitive to normal life experiences. PTSD has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980, however this condition has likely existed since human beings have endured trauma. It was called by different names during the American Civil War, however, such as when combat veterans were referred to as suffering from "soldier's heart." In World War I soldiers suffering the symptoms that were generally consistent with PTSD were referred to as having "combat fatigue." Soldiers who developed such symptoms in World War II were said to be suffering from "gross stress reaction," and many who fought in Vietnam who had symptoms of what is now called PTSD were assessed as having "post-Vietnam syndrome."  Other names that PTSD has also been called include "battle fatigue" and "shell shock". Approximately 7%-8% of people in the United States will most likely develop PTSD sometime in their lifetime.

Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are perhaps the best ways to reduce the effects of Stress, but this is largely a state of mind, too. Simply having a positive outlook about a stressful situation can create an adaptation response versus negative and declining effect.

In the event that a stressful situation leads to major health issues or depression, professional help should be sought after. Removing the source of the Stressful situation, exercising, sleeping well and learning to manage it when it occurs will all help to reduce its effects and recurrence levels. In some cases of extreme anxiety, it may be necessary to manage it with prescription medications.
Excessive and consistent stress levels, both mental and physical, can lead to a decline in overall health. This is because the immune system basically shuts down and your body succumbs to illness. These illnesses may be as minor as a cold or the flu, or as major as cardiac conditions and diabetes.

If you suffer from Stress, ensure you are eating correctly, taking any supplements or vitamins necessary, and following your doctor's orders regarding any chronic illnesses. Exercise regularly, practice relaxation techniques or activities, and get plenty of sleep to manage your Stress levels on a daily basis.