Understanding and managing stress-related conditions

Understanding and managing stress-related conditions

We’re all impacted by stress. When dealing with difficult relationships, managing your finances, disciplining your children, or dealing with hectic periods at work, you could have stress-related symptoms. 

The world is under stress. And while some stress is good for you and even necessary, too much stress can wear you out and lead to physical and mental illness.

Understanding the signs of stress is the first step to take in managing it. 

Although, it can be more difficult than you think to identify what stress symptoms are. 

Most of us are so accustomed to feeling stressed that we frequently don’t recognize it until we are in crisis mode.

Different people associate different things with stress. 

Something that stresses one person out might not bother another at all. 

Stress management skills vary from person to person depending on how each person’s system responds to events. 

Stress isn’t always bad, either. Stress can help you achieve things and keep you safe when it comes in moderation. 

For instance, stress may cause you to hit the brakes in order to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front of you. 

That’s advantageous you know!

Although our bodies are built to handle stress when it’s in moderation. 

But, humans lack the capability to manage long-term continuous stress without suffering negative effects.

Symptoms of stress

Every aspect of our lives, our emotions, actions, ability to think, and physical health, can be heavily impacted by stress. 

The whole body has no immunity to stress. 

But since each individual reacts to stress differently, different symptoms of stress may be experienced. 

Symptoms may be similar to those brought on by illnesses. 

It is quite pertinent to talk about them with your physician. 

Some of the following signs of stress could be present in you:

• Emotional symptoms of stress include:

• Finding it difficult to unwind and quiet your mind; 
• Becoming easily irritated, frustrated, and grumpy; 
• Feeling overwhelmed and the need to take control
• Feeling unloved, unimportant, and depressed; having low self-esteem; and
• Avoiding people

• Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Fatigue  
• Headaches
• An upset stomach with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
• Muscle aches, pains, and tension
• A racing heartbeat and chest pain
•  Insomnia
• Recurrent infections and colds
• Loss of sexual inclination or capacity
• Trembling, ringing in the ears, chilly or perspiration-filled hands and feet
• A dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Tense jaw and teeth grinding

• Symptoms that are Cognitive include:

• Constant anxiety; 
• Rushing thoughts; 
• Forgetfulness and disarray
• Distracting thoughts
• Bad judgment
• Having a pessimistic outlook or just considering the negative

• Symptoms that are behavioral include:

• Alterations in appetite, such as not eating or overeating
• Putting off and dodging obligations
• More alcohol, drug, or cigarette consumption
• Exhibiting more anxious habits including pacing, fidgeting, and biting nails.

Risk factors of long accumulated stress

•  Mental health conditions include anxiety, sadness, and personality disorders
•  Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, hypertension, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes
• Overweight and other eating issues
• Menstrual issues
• Sexual dysfunction, including male impotence, early ejaculation, and loss of desire for sex in both men and women
•  Skin and hair issues such eczema, psoriasis, and acne, as well as irreversible hair loss
• Digestive issues such GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Managing stress-related conditions

Life is all full of stress. But the very important thing is how you respond to it. Understanding your stress symptoms is the one first step  you can take to avoid too much stress and the related health effects.

Take the following actions to help you manage your stress during the day and prevent the possibility of contracting illnesses associated to stress:

• Take a five-minute stroll, use the stairs, or stand up while working to relieve physical strain.
• Pack headphones so you may listen to music as you work, commute, or eat lunch.
• Disclose a troubling issue. It may result in a resolution and aid in the release of tension related to it.
• Relax sleep, and eat: During the parasympathetic nervous system’s relaxation reaction, your body returns to equilibrium. It enables functions like digestion and sleep to restart at their regular rates and allows your heart rate and blood pressure to return to their baseline values.

What to do to help others get relieved of stress

• Listen carefully
• Spend time with the impacted individual
• Pay close attention while you listen, and extend your help and ear
• Tell them that their reactions are natural and that they are safe
• Assist them with clerical activities like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the family
• Give them some alone time
• Avoid taking their rage (or other emotions) personally
• Express your regret for the inaccident and your desire to comprehend and assist them
• As soon as you feel you need it, call for assistance or support.

Conclusion

Speak with your healthcare provider if you or some you care about is experiencing overwhelming stress. 

Several stress-related symptoms might also be indicators of other health issues. 

Your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and rule out any other underlying medical issues.

If stress is the cause of the illness, your physician may suggest a counselor help you deal with stress more effectively.

Reference

- https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-stress-related-illness#stress-management

- https://www.mindtools.com/a71eb15/managing-stress