STRESS

Stress is defined as the body's response to any demand made upon it. Long ago, stress was a matter of survival. Increased pulse, breathing, and alertness kept our ancestors ready for dangers and prepared them to "run or fight."

Today stress results from negative and positive events. A job promotion or graduation from college can be a positive stressful event. A job loss, financial troubles, or a death in the family can be a negative stressful event. Despite the different times, our body's reaction remains the same as the caveman's.

Some of the effects that we experience from stress can include:

depression, or feeling really sad about nothing in particular
anxiety or a fear that makes you feel tense or nervous
anger, or a feeling of hostility towards persons or events
panic, or a feeling of losing control

Symptoms can include panic, sweating, dizziness, breathlessness, and palpitations. Stress can motivate us to make changes for the better. Some stress researchers believe that it is not just the stressful event that affects us, but what the event MEANS to us. For example, you may perceive a stressful event as a challenge, but another person could perceive that same event as his or her undoing.

Stress will always be a part of your life. It is important to recognize what gives you stress. It is also important to learn how to control your responses to those things that cause stress, rather than letting stress control you.

Some of the clues as to how your body is handling stress are:

Do you notice more aches and pains after a stressful event?
Do you cope with stress by smoking or drinking too much? These are unhealthy behaviors that can increase your risk of stress-related illnesses.
Do you cope with stress by running, working out at a gym, or gardening? In moderation, these are healthy behaviors that improve physical fitness and mental health and your body's ability to deal with future stressors.

Stress can lower our immune systems and make our bodies more susceptible to infections, colds, and flu. Each of us has to learn not to be our own worst enemy when it comes to handling stress. Healthy self-preservation includes recognizing what is personally stressful and learning techniques that can reduce stress. Relaxation and meditation are ways to reduce stress.

If you want to learn more about stress, how stress affects you, and what to do to reduce your stress, contact your healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may refer you to a person who specializes in the area of stress or refer you to a stress management program.

There are a variety of community organizations that can help you with stress management training as well, such as your church or temple, the YMCA/YWCA, Veterans' organizations, or your company personnel department. Check your local library for books about managing stress.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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