We can all agree that stress is no laughing matter – it affects so many of us regularly, causing upset for not only the person themself but everyone around them.
While the odd outburst will not harm your health, feeling under a great deal of stress on a regular basis can be damaging.
The NHS insists: “Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works.”
When you’re stressed, hormones are released into your body to produce a ‘fight or flight’ response. Normally, your hormone levels even out after an immediate threat or pressure is lifted.
But when you are constantly feeling stressed, these hormones will remain in your body, leading to health problems over time.
What are the long-term effects of stress?
Not only can over exposure to stress lead to increased mood swings, it also can spiral into serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Regular stress has been linked to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks – especially for individuals who already suffer from heart problems.
DR Hilary, from Switch explains:
“Scientists have discovered a link between stress and inflammation in blood vessels, potentially leading to heart disease.”
Over time, all your symptoms may worsen and turn into serious health issues and they may become difficult to manage. For example, the odd sleepless night may develop into insomnia, and one–off digestion problems may become ongoing and lead to poor eating habits.
Your immune system can also suffer, making you more prone to illnesses like a common cold.
Long bouts of stress has also been linked to substance abuse, as sufferers aim to find a ‘quick-fix’ to their problems with things like cigarettes and alcohol they feel could help them relax, but won't help long term. Seeking help for stress issues as soon as possible is advised.
DR. Hilary says:
“The longer you are under this type of stress, the more damaging it can be. A stressful situation can also make it difficult for you to concentrate and sleep and you may find that your moods are irritable, leaving you susceptible to even more stress as you find it harder to cope with even the smallest things.
“Take road rage – there are more and more instances of people being unable to cope with being stuck in traffic or with poor drivers. This is a combination of the situation itself and raised stress hormone levels in the body that lead to these reactions. “
The good news is, it’s never to late to deal with dreaded stress and get back to your healthy self.
From tips to learning how to manage stress, changing your diet, exercising more or going to your GP for advise, there’s so many ways to get started on the path to a happier you.
***Also read... ***
Stress: Everything you need to know about stress - and how to manage it
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Coping with stress: 6 tips to help you de-stress by Closer's Dr Christian
Life management tips: Banish stress and boost your quality of life