The Effects Of Long Term Stress On Your Body And Mind | Emotional & Stress Management slideshows | Emotional & Mental Health center

Stress is a Natural Response

Generally when we talk or think about stress, it brings out a negative energy, as if stress had a negative connotation. But in reality, stress is not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, it is a very good thing! Stress is a natural response of our body secondary to a certainttype of stimulus. It is a reminder that we are alive and well, that we can feel things, that we can be rushed. It reminds us that we can anxious once in a while, so we can enjoy our moments of peace. The body itself is prepared for a stress response, and when the time comes, specific organs release particular hormones that interact with our body tissues to produce the stress response that we exhibit: racing heart, sweaty palms, bulging eyes, butterfly in the stomach, and you name it! In other words, everything is planned and the body is prepared to respond.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Alberto G. by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/albertogp123/5843577306/
psychcentral.com/lib/the-physical-effects-of-long-term-stress/000935
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001
http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/stresshealth.htm
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-effects-of-stress

When the Natural Stress Response is Prolonged...

Stress is indeed a natural response... But if it is, why is it often a problem? Because sometimes, it lasts for longer than it should. This could happen for several reasons: either the stressful event or situation are prolonged (hence the prolonged response), or the effects of our stress hormones are taking longer to fade away. Additionally, some people who are repeatedly put under stress can have a prolonged stress response, and this becomes a problem because of all the health complications that come with stress (chronic anxiety, depression, heart diseases, memory and concentration impairment, just to name a few.

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Photo courtesy of anna gutermuth by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/anniferrr/4097009340/
www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001
http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/stresshealth.htm

How to Know if you are Stressed?

When you are stressed out, your body releases two principal hormones: cortisol and adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). They act on almost all body systems (the brain, heart, lungs, digestive and urinary systems) to produce the stress response that you might be accustomed with. If you have been stressed out before (deadlines to meet, exam preparations, bills to pay, job interview, etc.) you know what are the signs to look out for! But the sad thing is, sometimes we are stressed out, but too stressed to realize! Stress affects the way we think, feel or act. For instance, you could feel cranky, frustrated or easily irritable. It becomes difficult for you to focus on small and simple tasks, and this could make you even more frustrated. Some people may experience episodes of diarrhea, because of the effects of cortisol and adrenaline on the digestive system. They also act on the heart, stimulating it and making it beat faster than usual.

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Photo courtesy of Mike Hoff by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/crashmaster/3192341451/
www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001

Immune System

Cortisol, the main glucocorticoid that is released in response to stress also affects the immune system. Studies have shown that the relationship between cortisol and the immune system is a complex one, made even more complexed by the fact that the effects of cortisol on the immune system depend on whether it is at physiological (such as in response to stress) or pharmacological (treatment, medications) doses. When released at physiological levels, cortisol has been shown to suppress the immune system. In other terms, this means that people who are stressed are at a higher risk of infections compared to those who are not.

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Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of andronicusmax by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/24258698@N04/2300402805/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2062254
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

Heart Problems

Stress can have detrimental consequences on the heart, especially if we are dealing with chronic stress. Due to their effect on the heart function, cortisol and adrenaline increase the heart rate and make it beat faster. This means that the heart pumps out blood faster, but at the same time it does not have enough time to refill its cavities for the next cycle. Consequently, the amount of blood ejected from the heart is decreased. Also, because the heart is beating faster, this affects the blood vessels and could lead to the development of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and eventually heart failure.

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Photo courtesy of Simon James by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/bearpark/5517107619/
www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-effects-of-stress

Gastrointestinal problems

With chronic stress, the stroke volume (amount of blood ejected from the hart with each heartbeat) is decreased, and there is a risk of decreased perfusion to the distal tissues (such as the intestines and the digestive tract, as well as the kidneys). The latter phenomenon could cause tissue necrosis, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract which is mostly vascularized with small arteries and capillaries. Additionally, patients under stress can also experience episodes of diarrhea or constipation, depending on the individual. You could also report some vomiting along the way. Other conditions associated with stress are peptic ulcer disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

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Photo courtesy of אנדר-ויק by Wikimedia Commons : commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abdomen.jpg

Infertility

Sometimes, are investigating for reasons to understand why they are not getting pregnant, they tend to forget that lifestyle and chronic stress both play a crucial role. And even the stress of trying over and over again,and the frustration that comes with it are part of the equation too! “You’re trying too hard”, “Come down and it will happen” are only few of the phrases that they are used to hear. And this only leads to more frustration. Researchers have been looking into the detailed relationship between stress and infertility. Although no concrete link has been established, the fact that relaxation techniques seem to increase the odds of getting pregnant helps in supporting the causal effect of stress on infertility.

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Photo courtesy of Jason Swaby by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/jswaby/1178547691/
www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/infertility-stress

Skin Problems

If you ever heard of stress pimples or skin breakouts secondary to stress, you have heard right! Stress can affect the health and wellbeing of your skin, and this is just the perfect evidence that internal disturbances are expressed externally. Because stress can weaken your immune system, this makes your skin more sensitive and more reactive to external stimuli. Additionally, with the increase in secretion of stress hormones, sebaceous glands are stimulated and produce more sebum, thus making the skin more prone to pimples formation. Moreover, viruses such as Herpes Simplex 1 (responsible for oral herpetic sores and angular stomatitis) tend to reactivate themselves in times of stress because of the weakened immune system. This is why people under stress can develop herpetic sores on their lips or in their oral cavities.

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Stress and Emotions

Undoubtedly, our brain is the first organ affected by stress. Isn't it where it all starts, anyways? When you are stressed, the cortisol that you release has several effects on the brain. However, the most important ones are: first of all, an increase in glucose diversion from the other organs towards the brain, as at that moment salvaging the brain is the priority. Secondly, cortisol stimulates liver metabolism, which results in an increase in the metabolic activity of an enzyme called “tryptophan oxygenase”, responsible for breaking down serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that puts us in a good mood, and if its levels in the brain are decreased, we get cranky. This explains why stressed out people are easily irritable, over-concerned, extremely worried and unable to focus on simple tasks.

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Photo courtesy of Chapendra by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/chaparral/3533900765/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

Dealing with Stress

Learning to deal effectively with stress is a must, if we aim at leaving a balanced life. Stress will always be there, it’s part of our experiences, it allows us to appreciate the times of peace more often. However, as mentioned before too much stress is not good, as this could lead to further health complications. The coping startegies used depend on each individual, and you might have to try out different things to find out what works best for you. While some people can simply listen to music, watch a movie or go for a walk, others might prefer spending time with friends (chatting, shopping, etc.) as a way to relax and get rid of stress. You could also choose to exercise (go to the gym, take a swim, jog, etc.) as it will help you help you get rid of toxins and release endorphins to make you feel better! Additionally, meditation and yoga are also two effective practices that can help you manage your stress by developing self-control. However, note that these techniques take time to develop and to be mastered, but it always has to start somewhere.So smile now, and free yourself!