Stress is the body’s response to tensions, emotions, or challenges. A dose of stress is positive because it allows adaptation to develop. In addition, it releases a series of hormones that serve to respond immediately to risky situations.
However, when the body is subjected to long periods of stress, a series of symptoms may appear that compromise the person’s health.
What is stress?
Stress allows the human being to react immediately to a difficult situation, like an emergency system of the body.
Since it is a natural response, it can be experienced at any age. Institute of Experimental Medicine and Surgery at the University of Montreal, said, “Since it is the body’s nonspecific response to a need, we all feel it constantly to some degree.”
When it is experienced, the body begins to drain a series of hormones such as Cortisol or Adrenaline, which allows the brain to be active and attentive to a specific situation.
In other words, the body prepares itself to deal with the cause of the stress. Once overcome, the body returns to a normal state.
Several factors can cause it, for example, fear for the future, a change in the situation (such as job loss, illness, or death in the family ).
Of course, it can also be experienced in very brief concrete situations, such as a long queue to pay, a tiring routine, an argument, etc.
However, chronic stress develops when the problem that is suffered seems to have no way out, causing episodes of anxiety.
Types of Stress
They compare it to the tension of a violin string. If there is little pressure, the sound will be out of tune and low, but it breaks if it is too strong. So you have to find the balance! In general, it is classified into two types.
acute stress
This is the most common and comes from everyday situations. We experience it in the middle of a discussion, a school exam, work, etc.
They are generally specific and very brief situations, which are faced with relative ease.
chronic stress
This type of stress is long-lasting. It can be triggered by extreme poverty, a divorce, among other causes. The patient feels overwhelmed, alone, irritable. Those who suffer from it become physically and mentally ill.
If it persists for weeks, then it is classified as chronic stress. The latter is dangerous because the person who experiences it can “get used to that level of stress,” which prevents them from seeking professional help, and the clinical picture worsens.
Stress Symptoms
Experiencing some pressure while driving or arguing can cause some stress. However, if you lead a busy life, that is, with many tasks and you feel exhausted, you may be one step away from experiencing chronic stress. It is necessary to be alert to these symptoms:
- Headaches
- excessive tiredness
- Insomnia or sleepiness
- unstable body weight
- tense muscles
- Digestive problems
- Irritability
- anxiety and restlessness
- low libido
Common effects of stress
Chronic stress is a natural health risk.
- Weak immune system or low defenses
- Emotional stress
- Acne
- menstrual problems
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Isolation and deterioration of interpersonal relationships
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- muscle contractures
All these consequences occur due to the high level of concern. For example, the patient may gain weight due to anxiety or lose weight due to depression.
On the other hand, it is possible that because of the pressure, they succumb to harmful habits to “relax,” which can aggravate the patient’s clinical picture, such as smoking or drinking alcohol in excess.
Prevention
Stress is a problem that can be controlled; it is necessary to recognize the symptoms. Here are some tips to prevent chronic stress:
- Practice relaxation techniques. When you feel pressured, take a deep breath, you can practice Yoga.
- Cut down on things that irritate you. To solve the specific problem, try to discuss the matter with family members.
- Try to be positive. Sometimes the causes come from the imagination, that is, from the fear of the future. Therefore, try to avoid thinking of the worst otherwise, you will wear yourself out emotionally, leading to mental illness.
- Try to find moments to rest. Even if you lead a busy life, set aside time to think and relax.
- Change some habits. Start with a healthy diet and exercise, quit tobacco.
- Using Bach Flowers, many people can ally with Bach flowers to combat sadness, nerves, loneliness. There are 38 types of flowers for each emotional state.
When to contact a medical professional?
If the level is very high and you cannot control the situation, it is better to go to a specialist.
A therapist can help you by providing alternatives that fit your circumstances and obtaining appropriate treatment. Chronic stress requires immediate medical attention.
Do not underestimate the effects of stress. Remember that it can steal your spirits and even the desire to live, so it is a silent enemy.
Therefore, if you are suffering from some of the symptoms that we have already explained in this article, such as lack of sleep, extreme tiredness, frequent headaches, etc., we recommend seeing a doctor.
