How do you know if stress is causing your physical symptoms? Odds are pretty high that stress plays a part in your overall health.
Stress and Your Health
How do you know if stress is causing your physical problems? There is much research in the area of mind body medicine. We know that the body and the mind interact. We know that some conditions are exacerbated by stress. We know that some conditions are brought on by stress. So how do you know if stress is causing your physical symptoms? Odds are that stress plays a part, no matter what the condition.
In a 1983 Time magazine cover story on stress "The Epidemic of the Eighties," stress was noted to be America's number one health problem. In 2007, one could argue that stress-related health problems are on the rise and that the kinds of stresses we experience are pervasive and relentless. Constant noise, constant traffic, constant communication, constant stimulation, and constant pressure. You have to be able to turn off the bodies response to stress in order to recover from any kind of health condition.
Research tells us that increased sympathetic nervous system activity and the constant release of adrenaline, cortisol and other stress-related hormones does produce a myriad of health-related problems.
Are you under considerable stress? Has the stress been long and enduring? How can stress effect the physical body?
Both short and long-term stress can harm your body. Stress does trigger changes in our bodies. It can manifest in a number of ways and in various systems of the body. Some of the ways chronic stress can effect the body include:
Nervous System
- anxiety
- irritability
- depression
- tension
Respiratory System
- changes in breathing patterns
- risk of asthmatic problems
- rapid or shallow breathing
Cardiovascular System
- increased risk of stroke and heart attacks
- decreased blood circulation
- high blood pressure
- rapid heartbeat
- coronary artery disease
- problems with blood clotting, and hardening of the arteries
Reproductive System
- less sexual desire
- more difficulties to get pregnant
- pre-menstrual symptoms
Gastrointestinal System
- stomach cramping
- stomach bloating
- constipation
- irritable bowel syndrome
- diarrhea
Endocrine System
- trouble sleeping
- lack of energy
- weight gain or loss
- diabetes
Musculoskeletal System
- back pain
- neck pain
- arthritis
- headaches
- chronic pain
It's always advisable to seek medical care. Your physician can help diagnose the problem and can order blood work and tests that will help determine the cause of your condition.
How Do You Deal With Stress?
There are a number of ways to deal with stress. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs, some turn to food. More helpful ways to manage stress:
- Massage and bodywork has shown to be an effective method of reducing stress and releasing tension
- eat healthy foods
- exercise
- lessen the number of stressors in your life
- learn to say no
- take time out for yourself
- laugh alot
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, May 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
