Stress affects all humans. Oxford dictionary defines stress as, “a state of emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” In our fast-paced, on-the-go culture, we get exposed to higher stress levels. We have difficult circumstances at our jobs with deadlines to meet and goals to accomplish. We have emotional tension in our families and with our friends. We face adversity in our lives, just trying to survive. The cause of stress varies, but the effects are the same for our human bodies.
The effects stress has on our mind and bodies are evident by the symptoms we feel while in and after being in stressful situations. The effects may also manifest in chronic pain and lead to physical and mental diseases. Through stressful situations, we feel fatigued, depressed, our blood pressure is high, but our libido is low. We feel on edge and paranoid, or we feel little at all.
According to the American Psychological Association, stress affects our whole body including our musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and reproductive system. (American Psychological Association. (May 10, 2019). Stress Effects on the Body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body ) Each affected system creates different problems in the body and can lead to various chronic pains or diseases.
The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels. Stress triggers the mind to release adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol into the body causing the heart to contract more forcefully and causes one’s heart rate to increase so that more blood pumps through the body. (American Psychological Association, 2019) In a moment, this bodily reaction can save your life by putting you in a fight or flight mode of survival. However, continuous and untreated stress damages the heart and may lead to hypertension, stroke, or heart attack.
The endocrine system is the chemical messenger system of the body. Stress triggers the endocrine system increases the production of glucocorticoids which are steroid hormones that trigger the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. (American Psychological Association, 2019) This spike in cortisol gives you a spike in energy, which, in a dangerous situation is very helpful. However, in a consistent state of stress where the body is creating this reaction too often, one is at higher risk of diabetes, obesity, and depression.
The body reacts wonderfully to momentary exposure to stress. The two above examples will suffice for you to understand how damaging the effects of continuous exposure to stress can be for the human mind and body in comparison. Stress affects us all, and we must take it upon ourselves to learn how to manage it in our lives. Otherwise, our bodies will break down, and we won’t be able to survive. Remember to take a deep breath when feeling overwhelmed. Try to exercise when you can. Try to eat well. Reach out to friends and family if you feel you’re struggling, and reach out to a doctor if you feel chronic pain.
References:
American Psychological Association. (May 10, 2019). Stress Effects on The Body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body
Stress. (2019). In Oxforddictionaries.com. Retrieved from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/stress