Physical &
Emotional Symptoms
Illness
from stress
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
chain of command has served humans well
as a means of survival for thousands of
years. However, for those suffering from
chronic anxiety and depression this
process malfunctions. Instead of shutting
off once the crisis is over, the process
continues, with the hypothalamus
continuing to signal the adrenals to
produce cortisol.
This increased cortisol production
exhausts the stress mechanism, leading to
fatigue and depression. Cortisol also
interferes with serotonin activity,
furthering the depressive effect.
Continually high cortisol levels lead to
suppression of the immune system through
increased production of interleukin-6, an
immune-system messenger. This coincides
with research findings indicating that
stress and depression have a negative
effect on the immune system. Reduced
immunity (immunodeficiency) makes the
body more susceptible to many diseases
including colds & flu, heart
problems, strokes, infections and cancer.
For example, the incidence of serious
illness, including cancer, is
significantly higher among people who
have suffered the death of a spouse in
the previous year.
The
Effects of Stress on Systems in
the Body
Central Nervous
System
Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue
Cardiovascular System
Impaired heart function; can
cause angina, heart attacks and
strokes.
Constriction of the peripheral
blood vessels, thereby raising
blood pressure
Digestive System
Stomach upsets, even ulcers
Diarrhea, Gastritis Peptic
ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
Colitis, Canker sores in the
mouth
Respiratory System
Asthma & Allergies
Musculoskeletal
System
Tension in skeletal muscles and
joints, leading to backache and
muscular aches and pains
Predisposition to
arthritis;degenerative diseases
such as rheumatoid arthritis
Immune System
Weakened defenses, with lowered
resistance to infections Viral
illnesses (often due to a
depleted immune defense system)
Allergies Malignant cell changes;
cancer
Endocrine System
Menstrual disorders Thyroid
disorders (underactive,
overactive, thyroiditis) Adrenal
hypofunction
Reproductive System
Infertility Premature ejaculation
Impotence
Skin
Eczema Psoriasis Rashes
General
Tissue degeneration Acceleration
of aging process
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Physical
signs and symptoms of stress
Increased heart rate
Pounding heart
Elevated blood pressure
Sweaty palms
Tightness of the chest, neck, jaw
and back muscles
Headache
Diarrhea
Constipation
Urinary hesitancy
Trembling Twitching
Stuttering and other speech
difficulties
Nausea
Vomiting
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Shallow breathing
Dryness of the mouth or throat
Susceptibility to minor illness
Cold hands
Itching
Being easily startled
Chronic pain and Dysponesis |
Cognitive/perceptual
signs and symptoms of stress
Forgetfulness
Preoccupation
Blocking Blurred vision
Errors in judging distance
Diminished or exaggerated fantasy
life
Reduced creativity
Lack of concentration
Diminished productivity
Lack of attention to detail
Orientation to the past
Decreased psychomotor reactivity
and coordination
Attention deficit
Disorganization of thought
Negative self-esteem
Diminished sense of meaning in
life
Feel a Lack of control BUT
A need for too much control
Negative self-statements
Negative evaluation of
experiences
Avoidence of potential stressors |
Emotional signs and symptoms of
stress
Irritability
Angry
Outbursts
Hostility
Depression
Jealously
Restlessness
Withdrawal
Anxiousness
Diminished initiative
Feelings of unreality or
over-alertness
Reduction of personal involvement
with others
Lack of interest
Tendency to cry
Being critical of others
Self-deprecation
Nightmares
Impatience
Narrowed focus
Obsessive rumination
Reduced self-esteem
Insomnia
Changes in eating habits
Weakened positive emotional
response reflexes.
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Early warning Signs of Stress
Speech difficulties
More impatient
Headaches
Infertility
Ulcers
Nail biting
Grinding teeth
Low blood sugar
High blood sugar
Need more sleep
Tired but can't sleep
Sudden weight loss
Sudden weight gain
Low blood pressure
High blood pressure
Lack of coordination
Repeated influenza
Repeated colds
Muscle aches
Hair loss
Chest pain
Forgetfulness
Nervous talking
Lower back pain
Loss of appetite
Increased appetite
High cholesterol
High triglycerides
Excessive fatigue
Gastric disturbance
Withdraw from social life
Menstrual problems
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Long
Term Implications of Stress
Exposure to stress on a long-term basis
can be debilitating both physically and
mentally. As we discussed before, under
stress the body produces an increase in
the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline
and corticosteroids. In the short-term
these hormones produce tense muscles,
queasiness and an increase in breathing
and heart rates. Long-term complaints
that are stress related include:
Allergies
Anxiety and depression
Digestive disorders
Fatigue
Food sesnsitivities
Headaches and migraine
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Impotence and premature ejaculation in
men
Insomnia
Irritable bladder
Irritable bowel syndrome
Menstrual problems in women
Mouth and peptic ulcers
Muscular aches and pains
Palpitations
Panic attacks
Eczema
Ulcerative colitis
A number of other diseases including
multiple sclerosis, diabetes and genital
herpes can also be aggravated by stress.
Recent
Research Findings: Job Satisfaction vs.
Sick Leave and /or Absenteeism
Researchers at England’s Manchester
University say if you feel you are
underpaid and are fed up, you are a prime
candidate for a pain in the back. Their
study is based on interviews with 1,600
people, half of whom were employed.
Doctors say there was little difference
in the risk of backache between those who
had work and those who did not. But those
who were unhappy about their job status,
whether in work or currently unemployed,
were twice as likely to suffer from the
ailment.
Workers unhappy about their salaries were
three times more likely to go for medical
help or simply take time off work than
those satisfied with the money they were
getting. The researchers say the study
refutes the myth that those who suffer
from pain in the lower back are just
work-shy. Tolerance of stress levels
differs from person to person. Some
people are able to sustain a highly
stressful lifestyle or adapt themselves
to a series of stressful events easily.
However, many others succumb more readily
to a variety of stress-related illnesses
and even accidental injuries.
Some
Signs of Stress in The Workplace
(Stress Arousal Stage)
Persistent irritability and anxiety
Bruxism and/or Insomnia
Occasional forgetfulness and/or inability
to concentrate
(Stress Resistance Stage)
Absenteeism or tardiness for work
Tired and fatigued for no reason
Procrastination and indecision
Social withdrawal with cynicism
Resentful, indifferent, defiant
Increased use of coffee, alcohol,
tobacco, etc.
(Severe Exhaustion Stage)
Overload and Burnout
Chronic sadness or depression
Chronic mental and physical fatigue
Chronic stress related illnesses
(headache, stomach ache, bowel problems,
etc.)
Isolation, withdrawal, self-destructive
thoughts
The
good news !
Fortunately, this immuno-suppression
process can be corrected with stress
management, relaxation, psychotherapy,
kinesiology, medication, or any number of
other positive influences that rebalance
& restore hope and a feeling of
self-esteem.
For more general
information feel free to E-mail us.
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