Stress will significantly affect your health, both mentally and physically, which will lead to headaches, sleeplessness, and chronic aches and pain in the body. It will also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression and will reduce your energy and productivity levels. Untreated stress will eventually contribute to health conditions that branch out to every part of your body throughout the day and night. Here is how physical and emotional stress affects the body and the mind.
What Is Stress?
Acute stress is defined by the onset of symptoms of anxiety associated with a severe traumatic event that created a dissociative reaction. Some professionals refer to it as “fight or flight” reactions. When stressed, the body produces hormones called norepinephrine and epinephrine which do not disrupt your body’s well-being. Once over, the body returns to its normal function.
Chronic stress relates to feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression over an extended period. In response to the stress levels, the endocrine system releases cortisol which leads to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, and hormonal imbalances.
How Does Stress Affect The Body?
Physically
Psychologically
What Are The Signs That I Should Look For?
How Do I Manage Stress?
If you suffer from stress-related symptoms, you can maintain it over the short-term. A few things you can try before doing so include:
Find ways to reduce your stress levels physically or mentally by taking some leisure time to wind down. Remember also that some things like alcohol and caffeine can affect your body negatively which you should avoid when actively trying to live a stress-free lifestyle.
Should I See A Doctor?
You should seek medical treatment when you notice a recurrence of symptoms. If you find that you experience stress, depression, or anxiety over a more extended period than you believe is normal, it is always better to get a physical and mental health evaluation. It is critical for your well-being to learn new skills that will help you cope with stress.
When you monitor your symptoms and take note of anything that you find unusual, it will help identify what triggers your stress. If you do not notice an improvement, you should give us a call at 301-926-8400 (Crofton), 410-881-7644 (Prince Frederick), or 443-672-2600 (Salisbury). We will identify the cause and offer an effective treatment plan that works.
