Dealing with stress is a constant struggle for most of us. All the challenges and difficulties that arise from day to day activities take its toll on our overall well-being. Though for some, stress has become a way of life, living with it constantly has its consequences.
Stress, as most of us know, is a type of condition where our body reacts to a certain change that causes a mental, emotional, and even physical adjustment. A small amount of stress can sometimes create a positive effect on an individual since it can generate a healthy motivation. But if stress is something you face continuously, your mind – and your body – will always stay on that emergency mode that can trigger a wide range of physiological reactions that can include migraine, or elevated heart rate.
A healthy type of stress activates the nervous system to release stress hormones (cortisol, etc.) that stirs the body to be on alert mode. This can trigger our blood to pump faster, our breathing starts to accelerate, muscles tightening, and a feeling of heightened senses. On a healthy dose of stress, this can help in facing challenges since it can often allow you to think more clearly than usual since it sharpens the senses.
Like anything in life though, there would always be a certain point where beyond it could be damaging. Persistent stress over a long period of time can lead to serious health problems. In cases of chronic stress, a series of physical and mental disorder can be observed. Chronic stress involves a response from the endocrine system wherein a release of corticosteroids occurs – a prolonged reaction of this type can damage a person’s physical and mental health.
Symptoms of chronic stress includes: headache or migraine, ulcers, intense mood swings, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, insomnia, hypertension, anger; and in severe cases, panic attacks or a panic disorder. Some studies have also shown that stress can trigger the worsening of a depression and cardiovascular disease, and can speed up the progression of HIV/AIDS.
Different types of treatments are provided for those who are suffering from either chronic or acute stress. Most would advice an adequate amount of rest, and other treatments that include diets, techniques on relaxation, exercise, and stress management. We all handle stress differently. Finding out the real cause of stress is always the first step of treatment. After, take a proactive approach in reducing that stress in your life.
