Effects of Stress
Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adaptation or response. Stress can affect children, adolescents and adults. Although, the stress component can be varied in different age groups, the outcome is more or less the same. Stress that persists without relief can lead to a condition called distress a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to bodily symptoms that are headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and sleeping problem. The long and short term effects of stress on the body reveals itself irrespective of the age groups. When the trigger is unvaried, prolonged or unforeseen, then it becomes pathological. The effects of stress affect also animals. People suffering from chronic stress might feel discouraged or incapable of getting through the day. They might even stay home in bed simply as they are feeling stress but do not know how to handle it.
When chronic stress excites cortisol production, the daily cycle of cortisol levels is disorganize. High levels of cortisol can occur at night. This can result in insomnia. When stress is managed in a negative manner, it generally leads to depression. To come out of this depression many take the hurtful help of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, all of which give a sense of stress relief. The physical and physiological effects of stress will all vary from person to person hanging upon factors such as age, physical and mental health, attitude and outlook towards life, and the amount of stress. Another big negative effect from stress is the way people select to deal with it. They take crucial drugs like nicotine, alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs, eat food, etc. The misuse of these types of “cures” becomes a double edged sword. The cure becomes worse than the cause.
Short term effects of Stress
Common short term effects of Stress may include:
Increase in the blood pressure to supply blood effectively.
Difficulty in concentrating.
Memory disturbances.
Loose stools.
Loss of appetite.
Long term effects of Stress
Common long term effects of Stress may include:
Irritable Bowel disease.
Backache.
Stroke due to similar reasons.
Weight loss.
Mood swings.
Sleeplessness.