Stress IllnessStress Related IIlness Symptoms
Stress Illness: Suffering from too much stress can cause illness. Stress reduces the functioning of our immune system leaving us vulnerable to illness and disease. The common types of symptoms people experience as stress illness are headaches, constipation or diarrhea, as well as ulcers. Sometimes stress can affect the skin with acne and hives. People also suffer from frequent colds and flus while under stress. Chronic, prolonged untreated stress has detrimental affects on our bodies. Mental Health Problems Anxiety and depression may be the consequence of chronic stress illness. Anxiety disorders take a variety of forms, ranging from general anxiety to panic attacks. Anxiety can become severe and disabling. Potential risk factors for anxiety disorders are individual characteristics such as temperament, parenting styles, peer influences, societal pressures, stressful life events, etc. Stressful life events have been identified as factors that contribute to anxiety disorders. Cardiovascular Disease Research shows that a hostile, aggressive and angry personality trait is linked to cardiovascular disease. Chronic prolonged stress may contribute to the development of heart disease, cholesterol levels and stroke. People with ongoing high levels of stress may have stress illness such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. Cancer Prolonged stress weakens your immune system. An impaired immune system may be vulnerable to cancer. People experience and deal with stress differently and therefore it has not been proven that stress directly causes cancer. People who are stressed are prone to take up alcohol, smoking and other activities that put their health and wellbeing at risk. Stressful life events and chronic stress has not been directly linked to cancer.
The inability to sleep may be caused by stress. Over thinking about life’s responsibilities and situations keeps you from sleeping. Our body’s natural protection mechanism keeps the adrenalin flowing while we perceive danger. Sleeping problems can last for a few days or months and may be caused by too much excitement or a stress filled lifestyle.
Stomach Ulcers Ulcers may be related to stress. While the body is in its ‘fight or flight’ state all the energy is drawn away from the digestive system and prevents proper digestion. When we are extremely stressed our body produces excessive stomach acid that can wear down the lining of the stomach.
Migraine Headaches Migraines are stress related. When we are stressed we are more vulnerable to the triggers that create the onset of a migraine.
Cognitive Therapy Stress Management
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