What Is Stress?

Stress, a common response to life's challenges, affects countless individuals daily. The World Health Organization defines it as "a state of worry or mental tension caused by difficult situations," emphasizing its role as a natural response that influences our overall well-being. Moreover, insights from a National Institutes of Health study highlight its prevalence, noting that stress, depression, and anxiety levels have increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From its prevalence to its effects, stress impacts mental and physical health, possibly causing sleep problems and hypertension. It also affects relationships and daily activities, posing a significant concern for individuals and society. In the following sections, you'll learn how stress affects the body, what signs to look out for, and when to see a doctor.

What Causes Stress?

Stress has a broad range of sources, including:

• Losing a loved one;
• Financial instability, such as unemployment;
• Relationship breakdowns, such as divorce or separation;
• Serious health issues;
• Moving;
• Challenges at work;
• Adjusting to changes, even positive ones, like getting married or having a baby.

Often, stress stems from one or multiple sources. You might be under more stress than you realize, so understanding the signs is essential.

What Are the Signs of Too Much Stress?

Recognizing excessive stress is crucial to begin managing it. Here are some common symptoms to look for:

• Feeling constantly drained;
• Frequent headaches;
• Insomnia or similar sleep disturbances;
• Changes in appetite and eating habits;
• Impaired cognitive function, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating;
• Digestive system issues like stomachaches, constipation, or diarrhea;
• Turning to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with life.

If you notice these symptoms, it might be time to reassess and find the appropriate help or adopt relief strategies.

Chronic Stress vs. Acute Stress

It’s essential to understand the differences between chronic and acute stress. Though one is more long-term and the other short-term, both can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being.

What Is Chronic Stress?

Chronic stress is prolonged and persistent. It often stems from ongoing situations such as financial difficulties, a demanding job, or relationship problems. Unlike acute stress, which is short-lived, chronic stress wears down the body and mind over time, leading to a host of health issues.

A few of the symptoms associated include:

• Physical symptoms: It can cause headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems.
• Mental health issues: It can have a significant impact on mental health, potentially leading to cognitive impairments.
• Associated conditions: It’s linked to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and weakened immune function.

Common treatments include various forms of therapy, medication, and changing one's lifestyle and daily routine. Different therapies can help develop effective management strategies.

Sometimes, medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed to ease symptoms. Additionally, ensuring you dedicate time to exercise, nutrition, sleeping well, and relaxation techniques can help.

What Is Acute Stress?

Acute stress arises as a brief reaction to an imminent threat or challenge. It's the body's quick reaction to specific events like an important exam, a job interview, or a sudden argument. Although intense, it typically dissipates once the situation is handled. Such stress can activate a fight-or-flight reaction, releasing adrenaline and cortisol to ready your body. You may experience a faster heartbeat, quickened breathing, tense muscles, and increased vigilance.

To help manage stressful situations, practice meditation and mindfulness to calm and re-center your mind. Also, avoid any triggers that might exacerbate this condition, such as caffeine or excess screen time. Taking breaks, doing deep breathing exercises, and confiding in a trusted confidant or mental health expert can also provide an outlet to release stress and regain focus.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when your body has overwhelming free radicals and insufficient antioxidants. Free radicals can damage cells, while antioxidants neutralize them to prevent this damage. Excess free radicals compared to antioxidants result in oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, aging, and various diseases.

Environmental factors like exposure to pollutants, radiation, and certain chemicals can cause oxidative stress. Lifestyle choices like smoking, overconsumption of alcohol, and a poor diet also have a significant impact. Additionally, health conditions like chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and psychological stress can trigger oxidative stress. You may notice effects such as:

• Cellular damage: This can lead to aging, inflammation, and various chronic diseases.
• Impact on organs: It greatly raises the risk of serious health issues like neurodegenerative diseases, impacting the quality of life.

You should stop smoking to reduce oxidative stress as it leads to harmful free radicals in your body. Consistent physical activity is also important as it helps the body's innate antioxidant defenses. You can also adopt a nutritious diet by incorporating ample antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to counteract free radicals.

What Is Good Stress?

Good stress, or eustress, is a beneficial and motivating stress that comes from positive challenges, enhancing performance and well-being. Eustress can be triggered by life changes like a new job, welcoming a child, or a new relationship. Achieving personal or professional goals and engaging in exciting challenges like learning a new skill or hobby can also cause eustress.

Eustress can enhance focus, energy, and productivity. Emotionally, it brings feelings of excitement, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Physically, eustress can strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.

When Should You See a Doctor About Stress?

While stress is a common part of life, it can become overwhelming. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should reach out to a mental health professional :

• Panic attack symptoms: Dizziness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, or overwhelming fear.
• Inability to function: Including difficulty completing daily tasks or work/home responsibilities.
• Persistent intrusive memories: Constantly reliving traumatic events or experiencing flashbacks, which can be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Chronic physical symptoms: Ongoing physical issues like unexplained aches, digestive problems, or sleep disturbances that persist despite self-care efforts.

Your mental health is a priority and deserves proper care. If you're noticing any of these symptoms, consider making an appointment with a mental health professional. A doctor or therapist can offer you the resources and support to manage your stress effectively.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.