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Stress is something that is a part of all of our lives. It is impossible to totally avoid stress. In fact, mild to moderate amounts of stress can be good for you. Too much stress, however, can result in various problems. Specific reactions to stress vary from person to person. Excessive stress can have a negative effect on people's health, making them more susceptible to illness. Too much stress can also have a negative effect on relationships with family and friends. Regardless of how stress affects an individual, all people experiencing excessive stress need to identify what stressors are impacting them, and how to prevent and manage stress.
Signs That You May Be Experiencing Too Much Stress:
There are many clues that your body gives that indicate you are under too much stress. Such clues may include a tight throat, sweaty palms, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, uneasiness, indigestion, depression, restlessness, frustration, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. People who learn how to recognize these stress signs have taken the first step to combating stress. If high levels of stress continue, it can lead to numerous problems including increased risk of illness, increased risk of accidents, decreased satisfaction with life, and increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
*Increased risk of illness. There are a number of illnesses that are directly related to too much stress in one's life. Such illnesses include high blood pressure, coronary disease, and ulcers. Too much stress can also affect a person's immune system, making it more difficult to combat illnesses when they occur. Such people may get ill more easily and take longer to recover than a person who is not under stress.
*Increased risk of accidents. There is a great deal of research indicating that when people are under a lot of stress they tend to have more accidents. People who are stressed are probably less likely to follow safety precautions and may have slower reaction times because they are preoccupied.
*Decreased satisfaction. People who are under too much stress generally aren't able to enjoy themselves. Relationships with family and friends may suffer as a result, leaving the stressed out person with little or no support.
*Increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse. People who are under too much stress and who have not developed effective coping skills run the risk of abusing drugs and/or alcohol. People who don't know how to cope with their stress in constructive ways may turn to artificial means such as alcohol, drugs, or food to relieve their stress. When this happens, the stress is compounded.
Signs That You May Be Experiencing Too Much Stress:
There are many clues that your body gives that indicate you are under too much stress. Such clues may include a tight throat, sweaty palms, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, uneasiness, indigestion, depression, restlessness, frustration, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. People who learn how to recognize these stress signs have taken the first step to combating stress. If high levels of stress continue, it can lead to numerous problems including increased risk of illness, increased risk of accidents, decreased satisfaction with life, and increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
*Increased risk of illness. There are a number of illnesses that are directly related to too much stress in one's life. Such illnesses include high blood pressure, coronary disease, and ulcers. Too much stress can also affect a person's immune system, making it more difficult to combat illnesses when they occur. Such people may get ill more easily and take longer to recover than a person who is not under stress.
*Increased risk of accidents. There is a great deal of research indicating that when people are under a lot of stress they tend to have more accidents. People who are stressed are probably less likely to follow safety precautions and may have slower reaction times because they are preoccupied.
*Decreased satisfaction. People who are under too much stress generally aren't able to enjoy themselves. Relationships with family and friends may suffer as a result, leaving the stressed out person with little or no support.
*Increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse. People who are under too much stress and who have not developed effective coping skills run the risk of abusing drugs and/or alcohol. People who don't know how to cope with their stress in constructive ways may turn to artificial means such as alcohol, drugs, or food to relieve their stress. When this happens, the stress is compounded.
Disclaimer: The contents of this site and all the pages herein are intended for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice at any time. None of the information in this site is intended to be taken as medical direction or advice, therapeutic, legal, or otherwise. This is not a replacement for professional services. At no time does use of this site nor communication through this site constitute a therapeutic relationship between the user and therapist. Keri M. Zwerner, MA, LMFT and LifeHealingHeart assume no liability for the content of this site or damages that may result from use, reference to, reliance on, or decisions resulting from its use. Use of this site establishes your consent to the provisions of this disclaimer. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved