Stress can manifest in various ways, whether it is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It may be triggered by different events, such as everyday occurrences (e.g., a major work presentation), traumatic life events (e.g., a death in the family), or even without any apparent reason at all. Sometimes, one may not be aware that they are experiencing stress. While some may choose to dismiss the feeling of stress and pretend that everything is alright, it is important to recognise when stress becomes overwhelming and begins to show signs of serious health problems. In such cases, seeking help is always advisable.
Heart Disease and Stress
Stress is linked to heart problems, but the exact reason remains unclear. Stress can lead to an increased heart rate, the release of cholesterol, and changes in blood flow. Acute stress can trigger serious cardiac issues, including heart attacks. To manage chronic heart problems, individuals must avoid acute stress and learn to manage unavoidable stressors.
What Is the Relation Between Asthma and Stress?
Stress has been shown to worsen asthma in many studies. In fact, some evidence suggests that a parent’s chronic stress can increase the likelihood of their children developing asthma. For instance, a study examined young children who were exposed to air pollution or whose mothers smoked during pregnancy while also having stressed parents. The study found that these children had a significantly higher risk of developing asthma.
Can Obesity Be Linked to Stress?
Excess fat in the abdomen poses greater health risks compared to fat on the legs or hips, and unfortunately, individuals with high stress levels tend to store fat in this area. Stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol, which leads to more fat being deposited in the abdomen.
Diabetes and Stress
Stress can exacerbate diabetes in two ways. Firstly, it increases the likelihood of unhealthy behaviours, such as poor eating habits and excessive drinking. Secondly, stress appears to raise glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes directly.
What Is the Impact of Stress on Ageing?
Stress can accelerate the ageing process. A study found that mothers caring for a chronically ill child exhibited signs of accelerated ageing in a specific region of their chromosomes. This region displayed the same signs of ageing that would typically occur over a period of nine to seventeen years. In short, stress may lead to premature ageing.
What Happens if I Don’t Manage My Stress?
It is crucial not to leave stress unmanaged, as chronic stress can result in long-term health problems, including physical symptoms.
Rapid Breathing
One such symptom is rapid breathing, which delivers more oxygen around the body during stressful periods. If you suffer from an existing respiratory condition like asthma, this can make it harder for you to breathe. Faster breathing can also lead to hyperventilation and, for some individuals, panic attacks.
Blood Pressure
Stress can cause your heart to beat faster than usual, enabling it to pump more blood to your organs and muscles. This response is beneficial in the short term, as it helps your body cope with stress. However, prolonged or frequent episodes of stress can raise your blood pressure, leading to heart problems.
Stomach
When you experience stress, your body tends to produce more glucose to provide additional energy. However, if this occurs frequently, it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During stressful periods, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead to an upset stomach or reflux due to excess acid production.
Muscles
When your body experiences stress, it releases adrenaline, causing your muscles to tense up in preparation for a ‘fight or flight’ response. This physical reaction helps protect your body from potential injury. However, after the stressful event, your muscles should relax, and your blood pressure should return to normal. If stress becomes chronic, your muscles may not have the opportunity to relax, leading to back, neck, and shoulder pain, which can, in turn, cause headaches and body aches.
Immunity
When you experience stress, your body’s immune system activates to support the healing process of wounds or injuries. However, if stress persists for an extended period, your immune system can become exhausted, resulting in a weakened ability to defend against infections and illnesses. Furthermore, recovery from any illness or injury may take longer than usual.
When Should I See My Doctor?
If you have already tried relaxation techniques and confided in someone you trust, but still feel overwhelmed, you may want to consider seeking help from a mental health professional or your doctor. It is important to keep in mind that stress is not a diagnosis in itself, but rather a signal that something else may be amiss. Chronic stress can be a symptom of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition. General practitioners and psychologists are trained to recognise when stress indicates that you require additional support, so do not hesitate to seek advice.
