Understanding the adverse effects of stress is one of the best motivators to fighting stress! Whether you are looking to improve your overall stress levels or you are trying to help a spouse deal with their stress, you must understand how stress can impact your mental health.
What is Stress?
According to the Mental Health Foundation, stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. When our lives feel overwhelming, our bodies will react to this sensation with stress. There are many causes and symptoms of stress.
Causes of Stress
The most common cause of stress is change and worry. Even simple changes can feel stressful to some individuals. Changes can include a move to an unknown city, a new school, different friends, a change in work responsibilities, etc. With change comes uncertainty. People often find uncertainty to be stressful and worrisome. It is the fear of the unknown that can send some people into a stressful panic.
Some challenges and events can cause individuals to feel stressed. For example, those enlisted in the military may deal with stress because of their environment. Another example of stress may come from someone battling a chronic disease.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress symptoms will vary based on the person and the cause of their stress. Mentally, a person may experience a lack of concentration and interest in enjoyable activities. When the mind is preoccupied with worries and pressure, it can be hard to focus on important things. Some may experience a lack of motivation as well.
Physical symptoms are just as common because the body typically reacts strongly to stress. Some physical symptoms may include fast heart rate, rapid breathing, headaches, high blood pressure, muscle tension, etc.
BetterHelp currently offers many articles that can help you better understand what stress is and how its symptoms can affect your life.
The Adverse Effects of Stress
The symptoms of stress itself are an adverse effect of stress. With many physical and mental symptoms, stress can make it hard for an individual to live their day normally. Other negative effects of stress can include mental health disorders, insomnia, addictions, etc.
Those that live with constant high levels of stress are more likely to develop mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The overwhelming sensations of stress can make an individual feel a loss of control and motivation. In situations such as a loved one’s death or a big move to a new city, people’s stress can lead to anxiety and depression.
Insomnia is also common among those who feel stressed. With the weight of the world on your shoulders, it can be hard to rest each evening. Many individuals experience restlessness and inconsistent sleeping habits when they are stressed.
Many will turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with life’s stress. Drugs and alcohol can quickly become a substance abuse problem. No matter how stressed a person may feel, the best way to manage stress is not through substances.
If your stress is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, it is important for you to seek help from a licensed professional. Councilors and therapists can help their patients understand the root of their stress and how to manage their stress effectively.
This post is written by Marie Miguel. Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
