Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It is a natural reaction to mental and emotional pressure. It is the body's way of responding to any kind of demand or threat and can also be a form of protection.
It happens as a result of the release of the stress hormones, when the response is carried out effectively it helps people to stay focused, energetic and alert. However, beyond a certain point, it stops being helpful and poses major damage to you health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life as a whole.
What happens when we get stressed?
There are five major things that happens when stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol are being released by the nervous system.
1. The heart pounds faster
2. The muscles tighten
3. Blood pressure rises
4. Breath quickens
5. Senses becomes sharper
EFFECTS of Stress
Stress leads to various health problems such as;
1. Depression and anxiety
2. Pain of any kind
3. Sleep problems
4. Autoimmune diseases
5. Digestive problems
6. Skin conditions such as eczema
7. Heart disease
8. Weight problems
9. Reproductive Issues
10. Thinking and memory problems
SIGNS of Stress Overload
There are four (4) basic categories of the signs of stress.
1. COGNITIVE
- Memory problems
- Lack of concentration
- Poor judgement
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying.
2. EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
- Depression or General unhappiness
- Agitation
- Irritability/Anger
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Loneliness and Isolation
3. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Aches and Pains
- Diarrhoea or Constipation
- Nausea/Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Frequent Colds
4. BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS
- Changes in regular eating habits
- Sleeping too much or to little
- Withdrawal
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarette or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits
CAUSES of Stress
The Causes of stress can be subdivided into two groups
1. External causes such as
- Major life changes
- Work or School
- Relationship difficulties
- Financial Problems
- Over-working
-Family problems
2. Internal causes such as
- Pessimism
- Inability to accept uncertainty
- Lack of flexibility
- Negative self-talk
- Perfectionism
- All-or-nothing attitude
Here are some of the most stressful life events an adult is likely to face in a lifetime.
1. Death of a Spouse
2. Death of a close family member
3. Divorce
4. Marriage Separation
5. Imprisonment
6. Injury/Illness
7. Marriage
8. Job loss
9. Marriage reconciliation
10. Retirement.
The next part of this blog will discuss how to cope with stress. Look out for it!!!
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