Stress is a silent killer, affecting millions of Americans from all walks of life. People underestimate the power that stress can have on their everyday life. It affects their mood, behavior, cognitive skills, ability to focus, appetite, emotional balance, and the list goes on and on.
High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body as well as your mind. Our bodies are designed to handle small doses of stress. However, we are not equipped to handle long-term stress without suffering severe consequences.
Let’s take a look at some stress-related health issues that are currently plaguing many Americans, and even you.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s reaction to harmful situations, both physical and emotional. When someone feels threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in the body that allows them to act in a specific way to prevent injury.
This chemical reaction is known as the “fight-or-flight” response. During this stress response, the heart rate increases, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, and breathing quickens. After long-term stress, this response is prolonged, which can lead to serious health problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Stress?
Stress affects all aspects of one’s life. This includes behaviors, moods, emotions, thinking abilities, and physical health. No one is immune to experiencing stress, and no part of the body is immune to the effects.
Some of the physical symptoms of stress include:
- Headaches & migraines
- Upset stomach, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea
- Chest pains & rapid heartbeat
- Aches, pains, and muscle tension
- Low energy levels
- Clenched jaw & grinding teeth
- Nervousness & anxiety
- Dry mouth & difficulty swallowing
Some emotional symptoms of stress include:
- Agitation, frustration, and moodiness
- Feeling overwhelmed easily
- Voiding others or isolating
- Having difficulty relaxing
- Low self-esteem
Some behavioral symptoms of stress include:
- Increased use of alcohol & drugs
- Changes in appetite
- Exhibiting nervous behaviors, such as fidgeting, nail-biting, and pacing
- Avoiding responsibilities & procrastinating
- Lack of motivation
Some cognitive symptoms of stress include:
- Constant worrying
- Poor judgment
- Inability to focus
- Racing thoughts
- Negativity, cynicism, and pessimism
- Forgetfulness & disorganization
Stress-Related Health Issues
Ongoing or chronic stress can exacerbate many serious health problems, including:
Heart disease – Stress can directly increase heart rate and blood flow, which can cause high cholesterol and triglycerides into the bloodstream. It’s also been proven that stress can trigger serious cardiac problems, including heart attacks.
Asthma – Stress can worsen asthma symptoms. Also, studies have shown that parents with chronic stress may increase the risk of developing asthma in their children.
Diabetes – Stress can worsen diabetes by increasing the likelihood of poor eating behaviors and by raising the glucose levels of those with type 2 diabetes.
Obesity – Stress causes higher levels of the hormone cortisol which can increase the amount of fat that’s deposited in the abdominal area of the body.
Alzheimer’s disease – Stress may worsen Alzheimer’s disease because it causes brain lesions to form more quickly.
Anxiety and depression – People who are chronically stressed have an 80% higher risk of developing depression within a few years than people with lower stress.
Relax and Take it Easy
Stress affects us all at one point or another. Recognizing stress may be more difficult than you think. And sometimes, we often don’t know just how stressed we really are until we reach our breaking point. If you notice symptoms of stress creeping up on you, then it’s time that you take back control.
Unfortunately for all of us, stress is a part of life. What matters the most is how you handle stress in your life. The most effective thing that you can do is to prevent stress overload and enjoy the little things.
If you or your loved one is feeling overwhelmed by stress, then talk to your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also recommend a therapist or counselor to help you handle your stress more effectively.