Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Stress has become synonymous with life. Some may have a better capacity to handle stress, while others may not. A small stressor may affect someone severely, while even a huge stressor may bother others less. It is important to remember that there are effects of stress on the body. In this article, we elaborate on how stress can affect our physical and mental health.
In what ways do the effects of stress on the body show physically?
With a stress response, the muscles of the body tense up. If the stress is long-standing, then the muscular tension may develop into pain in the shoulders, neck, and head.
Under stress, our bodies naturally breathe faster and shallower. Healthy people can usually adapt to this temporary change. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma may experience breathing difficulties. Stress can also worsen existing asthma symptoms. Evidence suggests chronic stress may develop asthma in healthy individuals too.
When we undergo stress, our blood vessels widen, pumping more blood. As a result, our blood pressure and heartbeat elevate. When our body comes back to its normal state, the heartbeat and blood pressure also normalise. However, if we face chronic stress, blood pressure and heart rate increase excessively then we are prone to the dangers of hypertension, heart attack, and even stroke.
Scientists suggest that long-standing stress can bring bodily changes to cause anaemia. The exact mechanism by which stress induces anaemia is unknown. Nonetheless, the nutritional imbalances of stress may be the reason. Stress changes the dietary pattern of the person. He/she/they may face malnutrition, like a deficiency of iron.
Additionally, when stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones give us an energy burst to deal with stress. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can disrupt insulin production and sensitivity. Thus, persistent stress causes insulin resistance, thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Scientists suggest that the long-term effects of stress on the body can cause vertigo. Both adults and adolescents can have this effect. Most probably, stress affects the balance-maintaining machinery of the body. It may cause vertigo through acute or chronic pain. Researchers have yet to explore the exact mechanism between stress and vertigo.
Stress does not leave any body part unaffected. It even impacts the skin. Studies have found that the concentration of stress hormones like cortisol is higher during acne. There is a relationship between stress and acne. For instance, students may develop acne due to exam-related stress.
Not all stress harms. Researchers label positive stress as eustress. Pleasurable events can also feel like an adrenaline rush.
How does stress affect your mental health?
Sleep is essential for mental health. Every individual has a threshold called sleep reactivity. People who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep due to stress exposure are highly sleep-reactive. Highly disrupted sleep will make such individuals prone to insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Without proper sleep, the body also struggles to relax and unwind.
There may be various factors that cause stress to develop depression. The long-lasting presence of environmental stress is one such factor. Childhood trauma and stressors are contributors to the development of depression. A continuous effect of stress on the body is chronic inflammation in the body, which is also a determinant of depression.
Is there no way to counter the negative effects of stress?
The good news is that there are effective ways to combat stress and protect your mental health. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm the nervous system and promote feelings of peace. Regular exercise is also a powerful stress reliever. It releases endorphins that improve mood and well-being. Building strong social connections and having a support network can provide a buffer against stress and offer a sense of belonging.
If you struggle to manage stress on your own, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists can equip you with coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and help you develop healthy habits.
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