Unveiling Stress: The Modern Epidemic Impacting Mind, Body, and Soul

The term "stressor" indicates either the real or perceived threat to an organism, while the reaction triggered by this threat is termed the "stress response” often referred to the "fight or flight" response which serves us and keeps us safe, when this kicks in we either confront the threat or run from it.

The release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline prompts physiological changes by activating the sympathetic nervous system that help us respond effectively to the perceived danger this can sometimes feel like our heart beating out of our chest due to and increase in heart rate, our blood pressure can rise, muscles will tense, and we become hypervigilant to help us survive.

From an evolutionary perspective, stress responses have helped humans survive threats and challenges throughout history. Although problems occur when this stress becomes chronic, it can negatively impact our mental wellbeing, physical health and how we experience life. In today’s fast paced world, we have greater opportunities to live in stress for example through workload pressures, financial pressures, work and family life conflict, relationship issues and health concerns.

Research has shown that stress can negatively effect our brain and body. Chronic stress can lead to memory disorders, digestive issues and ulcers. People under stress are more likely to have an impaired immune system, for example when you are under a great deal of pressure in your personal or work life and then you take a common cold or an infection. On a psychological level it can lead to cognitive anxiety disorders and depression.

In order to deal with prolonged exposure to stress we can adopt some unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse (alcohol, nicotine, other drugs), eating too much or too little, drinking excessive caffeine, chewing your fingernails or picking skin, flying off the hanger with extreme rage, reckless behaviour such as driving fast or social withdrawal which has a further negative impact on our health.

The first step to dealing with stress is recognising it, how it shows up for you and how it impacts you.

Recognising the Signs of Stress

We are all unique humans and stress can manifest itself in many different ways and may differ across individuals. Signs to look out for:

Cognitive symptoms: Memory problems, inability to concentrate, anxious or racing thoughts or over thinking, constantly worrying and focussing on the negative.

Emotional symptoms: Anxiety, fear and panic, mood swings, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed and sense of anger of anger or agitation.

Behavioural symptoms: Struggling to make decisions, procrastination, difficulty concentrating, lower work performance and withdrawal from social activities.

Physical symptoms: Exhaustion or trouble sleeping, migraines or headaches, muscle tension or grinding teeth, lowered sex drive or digestive issues.

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not alone. Get in touch today to see how I can support you.

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