Stress
Stress is often described as a feeling of being overloaded, wound up tight, tense and worried. We all experience stress at times. It can sometimes help to motivate us to get a task finished, or performed well. But stress can also be harmful if we become overstressed and interferes with our ability to get on with our normal life for too long. When we face a stressful event, our bodies respond by activating the nervous system and releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause physical changes in the body which often react quickly and effectively to get through the stressful situation. This is sometimes called the fight or flight response. The hormones increase heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, metabolism and muscle tension. Our pupils dilate and a perspiration rate increases. While these physical changes help us to try to meet the challenges of the stressful situation, they can cause other physical or psychological symptoms if the stress is ongoing and the physical changes don’t settle down. The symptoms can include headaches and other aches and pains, sleep disturbance, upset stomach, anxiety, anger and irritability, depression, fatigue, feeling overwhelmed and out of control, feeling moody and tearful, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem and lack confidence, high blood pressure, weakened immune system and possible heart disease. Acute stress can be brief and specific to the demands and pressures of a particular situation such as a deadline, a performance or facing up to a difficult challenge automatic event. This type of stress often gets called acute stress. Some people seem to experience acute stress over and over. This is sometimes referred to as episodic acute stress and these kinds of repetitive stresses may be due to a series of very real stressful challenges including losing a job, developing health problems, etc. For some people, episodic acute stress is a combination of real challenges and a tendency to operate like a stress machine. Some people tend to worry endlessly about bad things that could happen, are frequently in a rush and impatient with too many demands on the time, which can contribute to episodic acute stress. Chronic stress involves ongoing demands, pressures and worries that seem to go on forever with little hope of letting up. Chronic stress is very harmful to people’s health and happiness. Even though people can sometimes can manage chronic stress, and may feel they do not notice it so much, it can continue to wear people down and have a negative effect on their relationships and general health. Learning how to handle stress in healthy ways is very important. Fortunately, it is easy to learn simple techniques that help. These include recognising and changing the behaviours that contribute to stress, as well is techniques for reducing stress wanted to occur. Simple techniques such as identifying warning signs and triggers can help in the establishment of new routines and spending quality time with people you care about. Looking out for health and noticing yourself talk and possibly including relaxation practices can also contribute greatly to relieve stress. Don’t be tempted to put chronic stress on the back burner. Its onset is often insidious resulting in burnout requiring long periods of rest and recovery. Chronic stress is an experience you don’t want in your life. If you are feeling suicidal or in need of help please contact Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support service on 13 11 14. If you would like to see a psychologist, give me a call 0400 809 050 to make an appointment. We are committed to help you. |
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