Unhealthy Stress

Life never fails to surprise us. But one thing is certain, at some point we will all face stress. Stress has a large impact on our physical and emotional well-being and it affects different people in different ways. The body reacts to stress by producing adrenaline and cortisol in the body. This can cause rapid heart rate, heightened awareness and other side effects.

The right amount of stress can be beneficial, motivating us to get things done. But how can we tell when we are too stressed? It’s important to know the warning signs and what steps you can take to manage stress. By getting to know the physical and mental side effects, you can come up with a better strategy to manage stress.

Stress-Related Disorders

The American Institute of Stress (A.I.S.) conducts multiple studies each year to understand how we react to stress. According to their findings, the following health risks are directly related to too much stress.

·       Heart Attack

·       Hypertension

·       Depression

·       Gastrointestinal Problems

·       Stroke

·       Fatigue

·       Insomnia

When to Get Treatment

The earlier you can recognize you need treatment, the better off you will be. Your body’s reaction to extreme stress isn’t subtle, but for some, it may not be easy to spot the warning signs. People who have been overstressed for an extended period of time may have gotten used to these feelings, causing them to think that their symptoms are normal.

Listen to your body, of you notice that you are becoming overwhelmed it’s time to take some action. Don’t stress over it though, there are lots of ways you can manage stress in a healthy way, lowering your risks for stress-related health disorders.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Stress

By learning how to cope with stress, you can stay healthy and manage your life better. If you have experienced persistent feelings of anxiety, pay attention to how your body is responding. Watch out for the following red flags:

Irritability – Mood swings that seem out of character can be one of the first warning signs. If you are having trouble controlling your emotions, it can mean you are overstressed. 

Upset Stomach – Feelings of nausea may occur, no matter what you did or did not eat.

Tremors – Your body may build up adrenaline, causing your hands or facial muscles to shake.

Sweating – Sweating, especially from areas like your palms, underarms and face are another tell-tale physical symptom of stress.

Headaches – Recurring headaches throughout the day can be a result of tension in your neck or back due to stress.

Trouble Sleeping – If your sleeping patterns are drastically altered it could be because of stress. This includes sleeping too much or sleeping too little.

Nervous Ticks – Twitchy eyes, nail biting or other nervous habits are classic signs of stress.

Chest Pain – Rapid heart rate can cause pains in your chest and arms.

Appetite – Some people may lose their appetite. Others may eat more to cope with feelings caused by stress.

Fatigue – Problems in your sleeping patterns and dietary habits from stress can lead to fatigue. You may notice that you are more tired than usual during the day.

Weak Immune System – If you are getting sick more often, or finding it harder to recover from colds, it may be because your immune system is weakened.

Look out for these classic warning signs. If you are able to spot them early, you will have a good chance of managing your stress levels before you face any serious health risks. Don’t wait if you think you need help. Consult your doctor or care taker right away.