Effects of Stress
Effects of Stress
07/28/14 James Winston
Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress can be positive (a promotion or a new baby) or stress can be negative (loss of a loved one or mandatory relocation).
Stress is a normal part of life. Many events may happen to you and around you – and many things that you do to yourself – put stress on your body. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.
3 Types of Stress
- Routine and ongoing pressures
- Stress due to a sudden change
- Traumatic stress – a threat of violence or death
How Does Our Body React?
The human body is designed to experience stress and to react to it. Stress can be helpful by keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger by emitting a chemical and physical reaction that prepares us for a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Stress becomes harmful when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges.
Mental reactions – trouble concentrating, feeling “foggy,” chronic sadness
Physical reactions – problems with digestion, headache, trouble sleeping
Emotional reactions – anger, increased irritability, social withdraw
How Can I Cope?
- Avoid substances (drugs, tobacco, alcohol)
- Recognize the signs and symptoms within yourself
- Seek support from a friend or professional
- Get a routine medical evaluation
- Exercise, eat right, get adequate sleep
- Re-evaluate your priorities
