Our modern world is increasingly complex and complicated. Every day we feel pushed and pulled in many directions, rushing to complete numerous tasks, functioning on overdrive, feeling emotionally and physically drained, exhausted, and overwhelmed. The sources of our stress seem to be mushrooming from one day to the next, from daily hassles to concerns about challenging relationships; life transitions; health; jobs; finances; racial hatred; local, national, and world news; school violence; natural disasters; the economy; social injustice; the pandemic…. and the list continues to grow….
When we sense a threat in the external environment, the survival fight-or-flight mechanism is appropriately activated to adequately respond to the threat and to protect the organism. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released into the blood stream to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat and survive: heart rate and blood pressure increase, muscles become tense, breathing quickens. The body is prepared for action until the danger passes, it is out of balance – for a short time. However, if there is a constant stream of perceived threats (both external and internal – e.g., memories of past stressful or painful experiences, anticipation of potential future stressful events), the exposure to stress becomes long-term, with no return to baseline. Ongoing, prolonged exposure to stressful events and circumstances will have a profound effect on physical and psychological wellbeing.
“It is not stress that kills us. It is our reaction to it.”
– Hans Selye
If we turn on this survival mechanism, but we don’t know how to turn it off, there will be detrimental changes in the body physiology, which most likely will lead to some type of illness. Stress seems to increase the risk for and worsen conditions like gastrointestinal problems (e.g., gastritis, ulcerative colitis, irritable colon), obesity and other eating disorders, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke), skin problems (e.g., acne, psoriasis, eczema), sexual problems (e.g., impotence and premature ejaculation in men; loss of sexual desire in both men and women), menstrual problems, and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreoever, stress likely affects emotions, thinking, and behaviors.
The first step in controlling the physiological and psychological effects of stress is to know and recognize the signs of stress before we reach a breaking point.
Symptoms of stress include:
Physical symptoms
• Low energy
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, constipation, diarrhea
• Tense muscles
• Clenched jaw, grinding teeth
• Shaking
• Headaches; other aches and pains
• Chest pain
• Rapid heart beat
• Ringing in the ear
• Cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Loss of sexual desire
• Frequent colds and infections
Emotional symptoms
• Irritability, agitation, frustration, moodiness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling depressed, worthless, lonely
• Nervousness
• Inability to relax
Cognitive symptoms
• Negative thoughts
• Racing thoughts
• Inability to focus
• Forgetfulness
• Disorganization
• Poor judgment
Behavioral symptoms
• Fidgeting, pacing, nail biting
• Changes in appetite – no appetite or increased appetite
• Avoidance of others
• Avoidance of responsibilities
• Procrastination
• Increased use of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs
You may experience any one of these symptoms, or a unique combination of symptoms.
Stress is a part of life. What matters most is how you respond to stress. You can learn to manage your stress, to increase your resilience, and to develop wellbeing skills.
If you would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be honored to walk with you on your journey. I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today so we can schedule an appointment.