The Connection between Stress and Illness
What is Stress?
The Connection between Stress and Illness is sometimes closer than you think. According to the American Psychological Association, “Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures”. How you experience stress will determine how your body reacts to it. Everyone is affected by stress in their own way. The challenges we deal with or how life changes around us, known as stressors, can produce physical and mental responses throughout your body. Stress also activates your “flight or fight” reactions to certain changes, whether it be an internal or external battle you may be experiencing. People should also be aware of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which may cause health conditions in some people. These may include digestive problems, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress
There are numerous signs or symptoms of stressors that affect a person’s ability to focus or concentrate on a task at hand. One of the most common signs is frequent headaches. Some people may also clench their jaw, experience pain in their neck or back, or experience muscle spasms. There are many signs of stress; however below are 10 common signs or symptoms of stress a person may experience:
- Tremors or trembling of lips, and hands.
- Difficulties breathing.
- Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, and nervousness.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or rapid pulse.
- Sudden attacks of life-threatening panic.
- Insomnia, tiredness, weakness, or fatigue.
- Lightheadedness, faintness, or dizziness.
- Rashes, itching, hives, or “goosebumps”.
- Depression, frequent mood swings.
- Excessive gambling or impulse buying.
Types of Stress
There are four different types of stress. These include Acute stress, Episodic Acute Stress, Chronic Stress, and Eustress. Some stress can be temporary, causing only short-term effects. However, prolonged stress can create long-term issues in your body, which may be detrimental to your health and well-being. Understanding these types of stress will help a person cope better and help prevent unnecessary complications to their body, whether physically or mentally.
- Acute Stress
This type of stress is one of the most common types to occur. Examples of acute stress are experiencing childbirth, witnessing a car accident, or going for an interview for a new job. Acute stress is normally short-term, similar to Eustress. However, Acute stress can lead to chronic stress if not treated or diagnosed properly in time, which may in fact impact your life in a negative way.
- Episodic Acute Stress
The next type of stress is Episodic acute stress. Similar to having a mini crisis, it often comes when dwelling on past events or experiences that left a negative impact on you. There are several reasons for episodic acute stress to happen. They may be short episodes that arrive when triggered by a present-day event. However, they can also be more consistent and frequent because of the type of stressors involved. Episodic acute stress can allow a person to become anxious, irritable, depressed, and angry. Sometimes, people experiencing this type of stress may seem to be having non-episodic acute stress.
- Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is the most severe type of stress a person can experience. It is often constant and ongoing without any relief. Several types of stressors are associated with experiencing chronic stress. These include financial hardship, poverty, living with a chronic illness, and Racism and discrimination. Other stressors may be abuse (physical or emotional) and divorce. People with chronic stress often have low self-esteem or high neuroticism, a form of mental illness. Chronic stress can impact a person internally, meaning it can cause cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Eustress
Commonly referred to as “good stress”, according to certain psychologists, Eustress happens when we feel excited or aroused. This type of stress leaves us feeling positive, helpful, and even motivated. Our heartbeat or pulse rapidly increases, causing a hormonal change to surge, but without the feeling of fear or threat. An example is riding on a rollercoaster at your favorite amusement park or having an intimate connection with a loved one. It is usually a short-term effect and goes away once the excitement is extinguished. Although short term, having “good stress” or Eustress to occur in your life is a vital need for a healthy livelihood.
What You May experiences when Dealing with Stress
For those who struggle with stressful situations or find themselves needing help when their anxiety starts to rise, then reaching out to stress therapy professionals or counselors could be a place to start. Especially since prolonged stress can do a number on your body and mind. The longer someone either refuses to get help or does not seek help on their own, it could negatively affect their body. Stress can weaken your immune system, causing a higher chance of illness. If it is not managed properly, it may lead to chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.
Other physical signs may include headaches, digestive problems, clammy/sweaty hands, changes in weight, muscle tension and neck pain, frequent colds or infections, teeth grinding, and changes in the menstrual cycle. Some may also experience changes in their sex drive. People with increased stress may also experience cognitive signs of decline, such as difficulty concentrating, worrying, anxiety, and trouble remembering. Emotional signs can also occur when under stress. These include feeling moody, angry, irritated, and even fearful. Behavioral signs are common as well. For instance, poor self-care, relying on drugs and alcohol to cope, and not enjoying life’s blessings. People who are prone to stressful situations should Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can create more stress instead of relieving it.
Prevention and Stress Management
Avoiding stress completely is nearly impossible, yet there are several ways to prevent, reduce, or manage stress in your life. Here are some strategies that may help a person lower their stress levels and keep them at bay:
Doing relaxation activities: These may include participating in meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breathing exercises. There are many apps on your phone that provide programs to learn relaxation techniques. A person can also find programs at their local gym or community center that offer these classes as well.
Improving your health and well-being of your body: This includes eating nutritious meals, participating in physical activities, and making sure your body gets enough sleep.
Having a good emotional support system: This can include good listeners or people who encourage positivity. Having individuals that help you stay calm when things get overwhelming is also a plus.
Have a positive attitude in life: This is sometimes hard, but not impossible. Be appreciative of what you have, show gratitude to others, and be thankful for everything that is given to you, no matter how small. Remembering that you are not in control of everything, and accepting that’s okay.
The Benefits of Stress
Believe it or not, stress is not always a bad thing. There are several benefits to being under stress or dealing with stressful situations. Below are three common benefits of stress.
- It improves cognitive function, meaning it can strengthen the connection between neurons in your brain, and allow it to improve memory and attention span. It can also help you become more productive at work.
- Better resilience: Consider taking a test or an exam at school. You may feel the pressure to do well, but it can also help keep you focused while understanding how your body handles stressful situations.
- Stronger immunity: Unlike bad stress that hinders your health and well-being, good stress can build up your immune system and make you stronger against sickness and diseases. You may even heal faster during short-term stressors.