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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Psychological Stress?
What are the signs and symptoms of psychological stress? Freud believed that stress comes from internal and external sources which threaten our ego and identity. In defense we may use denial, suppress emotions, try to rationalise, project negative emotions onto others, displacement and humour. When we are psychologically stressed out, our bodies are also worn out. (See Stress Affects Health for information "How does stress affect health and your body?")
Stressful life situations are strongly associated with illness and disease. We experience a number of physical and psychological symptoms of stress. As we experience stress our body reacts to prepare for 'fight or flight' and in doing blood pressure is elevated. Chronic stress in relation to inner-city living and economic hardship has been linked to hypertension or high blood pressure. Psychological stress also interferes with the immune system which makes the body vulnerable to several forms of cancer. Also, the digestive system activity is reduce which creates problems with the digestive system and gastrointestinal difficulties such as constipation, diarrhea and ulcers. Psychological stress can also cause extreme emotional stress such as anxiety and depression. Other possible signs and symptoms of psychological stress are: * Mood swings
****************************** Psychological Stress and Stress Management
There are many types of stressors & just as many ways to cope with them. The impact of stressful situations or events depends on a person's coping behaviour, previous experience and performance. Basically, everyone experiences stress differently. It's a person's perception of the stressor and how they deal with it as to the impact and affects on health and the body. Some forms of coping (or not being able to cope) have been learned prior to the stressful situation (eg. childhood) and are automatically put in place without realising it. How can we deal with stress? An effective stress management plan includes helping you understand your reaction, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. Also, an understanding of how stress affects your health and body is vital in order to implement a stress management plan that works. Understand the impact of your previous experience to stress then you have the power to alter how you deal with stressors. Physical and psychological symptoms of stress depend on how you deal with the stressor. The signs and symptoms of psychological stress are indicators to you that your body is run down. If you are finding it difficult cope emotionally you are experiencing a sign of psychological stress. Cognitive Therapy helps you become aware of your thoughts and work towards changing them to better be able to cope with stressors. Changing your thoughts about a situation will give you the ability to alter your reaction and behaviours. You will be better able to deal with stressful situations effectively. Changing the way you communicate during a stressful situation will help to resolve it quicker and with ease.
Modifying your behaviour is also a way to deal with stress and cope with a stressful situation. Emotional States Enhance Stress: Have you ever monitored how your body feels when you are angry and frustrated in a traffic jam? Your heart race, your jaw is clenched, and the situation seems worse. Well, try altering your thoughts towards the situation, and relax your behaviours and then notice the difference in your body. You have the choice to alter your emotions and behaviours and determine the level of stress you feel. Personality Type is a Risk Factor: Personality type is a risk factor in cancer and coronary heart disease. Type A personality has a more rushed lifestyle and are more impatient and more at risk. A Type B personality is more laid back. Beliefs and attitudes that stress you out: Our beliefs, attitudes and thoughts determine how we perceive our world and the situations we are involved in. How we interpret or assume a situation dictates what we feel about it, which it turn result in how we react or behave.
Stress comes in many forms, shapes and sizes! In fact, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe (1967) created the Social Readjustment Rating Scale that is a stressful life events list, rating stressful life events in order, starting from the most stressful. Physical and psychological symptoms of stress are vast and can be devestating. Signs and symptoms of psychologial stress are an important sign to take notice of your situation. Prolonged stress is detrimental! A professional assessment of your symptoms and an appropriate stress management plan can improve your health and lifestyle.
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