Dealing With the Effects of Stress
Stress is something that everyone deals with at some point in their life, but it is important to realize that there is both good and bad stress. Not all stress is bad and in fact, a certain amount of stress is normal and actually good for you. Once the effects of stress begin to become too much however, it can end up causing serious health problems, both physically and emotionally.
Effects of Stress
There are both short term and long term effects of stress that may be caused as a result of your stress. Some of the short term effects include diversion of the blood from less vital to more vital organs, an increase in the heart rate to supply blood to the rest of the body quicker, an increase in the blood pressure to supply blood efficiently, increase in the respiratory rate to get more oxygen from the atmosphere and the formation of more glucose from non-carbohydrate substances.
There are also many possible long term effects of stress, including chronic headache, decreased libido, anxiety disorder, mood swings, substance abuse problem, memory disturbances, stroke, weight loss or gain, irritable bowel disease, and sleeplessness.
There are even certain conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder which may develop as a result of stress. This is by far one of the most serious possible effects of stress, as post traumatic stress disorder is a delayed reaction to an exceptionally stressful situation with symptoms including psychological numbing, inability to experience pleasure, reduced interest in activities, and agitation.
The effects of stress can be detrimental and deteriorating. It is important that you take properly manage your stress and get it under control before it does become too much and before it becomes overwhelming.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are not sure where to start in terms of dealing with your stress or would just like some more ideas, one of the best things you can do is make a point to speak to your doctor about it. They will be able to assess your condition, determine whether there is anything more serious at play, and then help you to get started with finding ways to relieve your stress.
It is important that this not just end up being a phase of your life, but rather that you take it seriously and that you create a lifelong stress relief plan that you can commit to and that you can follow.
