>> Stress

 

Stress is increasingly becoming recognised as a condition that needs to be acknowledged and managed. It is accepted internationally that stress is a primary cause of mental ill-health and physical illness. Too much stress, that is out of control, or unmanaged, can literally, be a killer.

Some situations could be described as "distress", whereas others could be described as "eustress". Eustress is "good" stress, its fun or exciting for us. Our perception is the difference between the two. Bungee-jumping is eustress for some people, but its distress for others. Stress, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

The nervous system is divided into two subdivisions, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNR) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNR). Our bodies usually operate in PNR. The PNR slows the body down, helps digestion etc. When stress erupts, the body goes into the SNR, also known as the "fight" or "flight" response. How we handle stress determines how long we remain in the SNR.

The release of hormones during a stress response results in rapid mobilisation of energy which flows in an effort to support the organs and muscles that are fighting to save you from whatever "threat" that has entered the picture. The immune system is temporarily depressed so that all its energies are brought to the problem. Long-term, unending stress results in long-term, unending immune suppression, results in the fact that we cannot fight disease and we can become ill. The continued effect of stress on the body can provide a suitable ground for many serious diseases,

Stress that remains with you for too long can cause diseases and disorders such as colds, ulcers, asthma, heart attack, and many others. Acute stress, that is stress that lasts a relatively short period of time, can demand all of your energy and leave you drained. In some cases, it can even cause anxiety attacks or states of shock requiring medical attention.

Chronic stress is stress that extends for a long period of time and can be present as you perform your daily activities. Often, your body will react to this kind of stress slowly, and you may even become accustomed to a certain level of tension. But this stress is particularly harmful because it can lead to various diseases, yet remain unnoticed as the cause of them. Stress is often ignored until the body shows signs of it, such as an increase in the frequency of headaches or fatigue.

Early warnings (generally, these can be any significant changes in your usual pattern of behaviour) can point out that something might be wrong. More specific signs to look for include:

• A lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness, or enthusiasm.
• An intolerance of people and irritability, especially during discussions or disagreements.
• Outbursts of anger.
• Difficulty in concentrating or an inability to make minor decisions.
• The beginning or increased use of alcohol or drugs (prescription or other).
• Restlessness or difficulty being alone.
• A loss of efficiency in work or school.
• A preoccupation with certain thoughts, especially negative ones.
• Frequent physical illnesses and/or delayed recovery.
• Persistent nightmares and the recurrence of disturbing dreams.
• A psychosomatic illness, such as an unexplainable rash.
• Withdrawal from friends and social situations.

More serious and severe symptoms can develop over time. They might even afflict you before you are aware of the stresses in your life. These symptoms can be such physical and psychological changes as:

• Recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart palpitations.
• Changes in sleeping patterns, such as waking many times in the night or early morning.
• Changes in appetite, weight loss, or unusual weight gain.
• Feelings of hopelessness and marked cynicism, of approaching doom and an inability to deal with life circumstances.