Effect of Stress
Stress is the body’s response to a situation. It is typically a change in the environment that requires one’s body to react and adjust. These changes evoke physical, mental and emotional reactions in a person. Short-term stress will have no significant impact on the body. Long-term stress may cause various issues. The diseases that often arise due to long-standing stress are called psychosomatic diseases.
The human body can feel stress and react to it. There are two types of stress:
- Eustress: It is positive stress. For example, the body might feel eustress when a person gets a job promotion or given greater responsibilities.
- Distress: It is negative stress that a person faces when exposed to continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. Distress can cause physical symptoms, such as
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Elevated blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Problems sleeping
- Palpitations
The following are the effects of stress on the body:
- Muscles and joints: According to American Psychological Association, stress can tense the muscle. Stress can cause
- Pain
- Tightness
- Soreness in the muscle
- Muscle spasm
- Trismus (locked jaw)
- Additionally, stress can also exacerbate the symptoms of
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia (widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness in the muscles and connective tissues)
- Heart and lungs: Stress can have a significant effect on the heart. For example, when trying hard to meet a deadline at work, the heart rate can increase considerably. Stress can promote the release of the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can worsen any heart or lung conditions, including
- Heart disease
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
- Skin and hair: Stress can negatively impact skin and hair, causing
- Acne
- Hives
- Itchiness
- Excessive sweating
- Hair loss
- Besides, stress can also worsen conditions, such as
- Shoulders, head and jaw: Stress can trigger:
- Immune system: Stress can lower the body’s immune system. A depressed immune system can result in colds and flu. It can also aggravate autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Mental health: Stress can often set off
- Stress may also attribute to
- Eating poorly
- Lack of interest in any activities
- Gastrointestinal system: Stress can interfere with the brain-gut communication and may trigger
- Bloating
- Pain
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Heartburn
- Stress negatively influences the gut bacteria and can result in various digestion issues. Long-term stress can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.
- Obesity: Excessive cortisol release can lead to overeating or binges. As a result, the body may store fat leading to obesity.
- Reproductive problems: Stress can result in the following issues:
- Less sexual desire
- Infertility issues
- Infections in the reproductive organs
- Irregular and painful menses
- Worsen the symptoms of postmenopausal syndrome
- Hormonal imbalances
References
WebMD. Stress Symptoms. https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body
American Psychological Association. Stress Effects on the Body. November 1, 2018. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
American Psychological Association. Stress Effects on the Body. November 1, 2018. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
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