PHYSICAL SIGNS

PHYSICAL SIGNS YOU’RE MORE STRESSED OUT THAN YOU REALIZE

What is stress, and how does it work from a biological standpoint?

Stress occurs when the body is pressured by a certain circumstance, such as, family illness, financial issues, or job-related problems. It comes with increased heart rate, faster breathing, a rise in blood pressure, and your muscles contract. As a result, your body starts countering the response to protect itself.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic/too much stress? Please include both well-known and hidden symptoms people may not be aware of.

They include;

  • Excessive drug or alcohol abuse
  • Insomnia
  • Emotional withdrawal
  • Lack of concentration
  • Behavior change, including staying indoors for longer
  • Changes in appetite

What are the physical and mental dangers of chronic stress?

Physical dangers include;

  • Some people gain weight and others loose it
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Headache
  • Body aches and pain

Mental dangers;

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Personality disorders

What is the flight-or-fight response and how does it affect our bodies?

It is a sudden physiological response to a situation the body perceives terrifying or stressful. It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system that causes a stress reaction, which makes the body to flee or fight back.

Can stress make you sick? If so, how?

Of course, yes. Stress can lead to various health problems, such as, depression, heart disease, and stomach upset.

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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