Mental Health

All about Stress - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Stress is a common response to change that causes physical, emotional, and cognitive reactions. Our stress guide includes potential risk factors, suggested management strategies, and prescription medication for stress.

What is stress?

The feeling of stress is widespread and something that many people encounter frequently. It refers to feeling pushed in particular situations or occurrences and is the sensation of being under excessive mental or emotional pressure. Stress frequently starts when we go through something novel or unexpected that puts our sense of self in danger or when we believe we have little control over an event.

Everybody handles stress differently. Genetics, early life experiences, personality, and social and economic situations can all impact our capacity to cope. 

Our bodies release stress hormones in response to stress, which causes a fight-or-flight response and awakens our immune system. This enables us to react swiftly to difficult circumstances.

Chronic stress has many physical, mental, and behavioral effects. Additionally, it's conceivable that you'll feel physically unwell, such as with headaches, fatigue, or an upset stomach. It may be tough for you to get enough rest or eat well while stressed, which might impair your health. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), cardiovascular disease, and even stomach ulcers have all been related to longer-term stress.

Symptoms of stress

Our symptoms can vary, just as everyone experiences stress in different ways. The following are some symptoms of stress, though you may not experience all of them:

• Chronic pain

• Inability to sleep and other sleep issues

• Reduced sex drive

• Digestion issues

• Difficulty focusing and making a decision

• Eating too little or too much

• Fatigue

You can experience stress, irritability, or fear. You might be drinking or smoking more than you did in the past, whether you're aware of it or not. 

How can you diagnose stress?

Stress cannot be measured objectively with testing. Its presence and intensity are only discernible to the individual experiencing them. A healthcare professional may use questionnaires to learn more about your stress and how it affects your life. Your healthcare professional can assess stress-related symptoms if you have chronic stress.

What are the causes of stress?

There are numerous potential causes of stress, including:

• Issues at work

• Financial worries

• Relationship problems

• Bereavement

How can you treat stress?

There are numerous ways to manage the signs and symptoms of stress. Discussing your feelings with a friend, family member, or healthcare provider may be beneficial. Organizations like the Samaritans will speak with you in confidence if you're feeling vulnerable or unable to discuss your feelings with someone close to you. By adjusting your lifestyle, you can increase your resistance to the effects of stress in the long run. 

You may control your relaxation to manage stress by breathing exercises and meditation. It's best to incorporate breathing exercises into your everyday routine for them to be genuinely helpful. Taking time out for oneself in this way helps reduce stress. 

You should speak with your doctor if your stress persists and harms your quality of life. They can explore prescribing medicine to help with any relevant underlying illnesses, such as anxiety disorder or depression. If suitable, they may offer a talking treatment like counseling or CBT. There are also numerous over-the-counter medications available for stress-related illnesses like IBS.

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