Stress is the body’s reaction to harmful situations and is a normal part of life. Stress can even be a good thing as when it allows you to be extra aware of your surroundings and perhaps avoid an accident. However, too much stress can have a serious effect on your mental, physical and emotional health. If you feel as if you are always stressed out, we at Genesis Health Institute offer several stress management treatment methods to help you relax and gain control of your life. To learn more or to schedule your appointment, contact us today!
Causes of Stress
What causes stress in one person may be of little concern to another. Common external causes of stress include family and relationship issues, financial problems, being too busy, and major life changes, such as starting a new job, getting married or moving. Stress also has a lot to do with how we perceive the situation; internal causes of stress can include having unrealistic expectations, rigid thinking or a negative outlook.
Regardless of what the cause may be, when your body feels threatened, a chemical reaction known as a fight or flight response or stress response occurs. This stress response causes:
- Increased heart rate
- Quickened breathing
- Tightened muscles
- Increased blood pressure
Stress Symptoms
Stress can affect our emotions, bodies, minds and behavior. However, since some people are able to handle stress better than others, symptoms of stress can vary.
Emotional symptoms
- Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control
- Finding it difficult to relax
- Having low self-esteem
- Depression or feeling worthless
- Feeling lonely or avoiding others
Physical symptoms
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Loss of sexual desire
- Shaking
- Cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
Cognitive symptoms
- Constant worrying
- Inability to focus
- Memory problems
- Poor judgement
- Pessimism
- Nervousness
Behavioral symptoms
- Not eating enough or eating too much
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Nail biting
- Fidgeting
- Pacing
- Procrastinating
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Effects of Stress on the Body
Chronic stress is stress that persists over an extended period of time. Our bodies are designed to be able to handle small bits of stress. However, long-term, chronic stress can cause serious side effects. These can include:
- Mental health issues, such as depression
- Cardiovascular disease
- Weakened immune system and more frequent colds and infections
- Eating disorders, which may be accompanied by weight gain or loss
- Sexual dysfunction and menstrual issues
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis
Chronic stress treatment can help you avoid these complications.
Stress Management Techniques
There are many different forms of stress treatment. One of the best ways to deal with stress is to try to identify what is making you stressed and find ways to avoid or reduce your exposure to it as much as possible.
Other stress treatment methods include:
- Make time each day to do something enjoyable
- Avoid negative or hostile relationships
- Avoid foods with refined carbohydrates and sugar
- Reach out to people you trust when you’re feeling stressed
- Take daily walks to boost your endorphins, or mood-boosting chemicals
- Get about 8 hours of sleep each night
If you are suffering from chronic stress and require stress disorder treatment, you may benefit from talking with a counselor or therapist. Stress therapy can teach you ways to better handle the cause of your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Relieve Stress?
There are many ways to relieve stress. One of the most helpful ways is to identify what is making you stressful, and finding ways to avoid or reduce your exposure to it as much as possible. Another method to relieve stress is to reach out to others for help, such as a friend or family member, or possibly a mental health professional. Eating a more balanced diet and exercising may also reduce stress.
Can Stress Cause Heart Pain?
Yes. Stress can increase your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and hypertension.
Does Stress Cause Sickness?
Chronic stress does. It can lead to a number of different health complications, including a weakened immune system and a resulting higher susceptibility to contagious diseases.
Can Stress Cause Anxiety?
Yes, as well as depression and low self-esteem.
Can Stress Make Your Body Hurt?
Yes, stress can cause aches, pains, and tense muscles.
Can Stress Cause Extreme Fatigue?
Yes, as well as trouble sleeping.
Request Your Appointment Today
Stress can sometimes be important and useful, but it should never control your life. We at Genesis Health Institute want to help you. Call (954) 561-3175 or contact us online and start managing your stress today!
