The Effects of Stress on Health and Behavior
Stress is difficult to study and define because of it’s subjective nature which differs from person to person. Things that are high stress for some people are pleasurable to others; some people can handle a large amount of stress while other people crack under the slightest pressure. There are some stresses that are beneficial m such as the stress we feel when in love or playing a game; it’s chronic stress that does the damage.
Stress symptoms can manifest in many ways with physical or emotional symptoms, or both. Physical symptoms include headache, back pain, heart disease, stomach upset and sleep problems. Emotional and behavioral symptoms are also common and can include restlessness, anxiety, overeating and even drug and alcohol abuse.
Continual levels of high stress can cause severe metabolic changes. As a response to high stress the brain releases cortisol and adrenalin in what is know as the autonomic nervous systems response which includes a rise in insulin levels and rapid heartbeat. Unfortunately constant stress keeps the body at these levels and prolonged exposure can cause type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, cardiac damage and memory problems.
Unfortunately stress is a catch-22 situation, the more stress we feel the less productive we are, which in turn makes additional stress. Often people get so caught up with day to day stress they do not realize the damage they are doing until it’s too late. Today there are many therapies available that can help ranging from meditative therapy, biofeedback, and anti-depressant drugs. However, the number one treatments for stress is doing a personal inventory on a regular basis and removing whatever stressors are expendable and creating plans to handle the rest.
References
McEwen, Bruce and Krahn, Dean , “The Response to Stress” retrieved on May 30, 2009 from http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/articles/behavior/stress_3/
“Stress Management” retrieved on May 30,2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress- symptoms/SR00008_D