Stress is a response that is geared towards protecting our well-being, inside and out. It is a necessary response as the body is always adjusting to changes in our moods and surroundings. We employ what is known as the “fight or flight response” when something (anything at all, be it physical or mental) threatens our existence in any way. This response has been part of the body’s response since the beginning of time. Adrenalin starts pumping as our body prepares to deal with the stressful situation at hand. The heart rate increases as does blood pressure and breathing becomes more rapid. We have engaged the stress response at this point in time.

Positive versus Negative Stress

Positive stress is as described above, when our bodies prepare themselves to react to a threat or a challenge put upon us. Negative stress occurs when you feel that you are no longer able to cope with a situation and the pressure in your life is intense. All in all you feel out of control and fearful for the outcome of what appears to be an impossible situation.

There is no such thing as a life without stress. However too much stress in the wrong direction (i.e. negative stress) can cause serious health complications, in particular by disabling the overworked immune system. Research has shown that a very high percentage of sicknesses are in one way or another related to the negative side of stress.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress leaves a trail of symptoms, some physical, others emotional and still others, relationship oriented. Let’s take a closer look at each below.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

There are many physical manifestations of stress. Some symptoms also spring from other physical illnesses while many can simply arise because of the stress. These symptoms include sleep disturbances, tension or migraine headaches, eating disorders, weight gain or loss, any of a number of stomach problems (such as upset or acid stomach, gas, heartburn, cramps or irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea or constipation, hair loss and fatigue. Other symptoms include neck, back or shoulder pain, muscle tension, irregular heartbeat (or palpitations), high blood pressure, chest pain, sweaty palms or hands, shortness of breath or the onset of asthma, cold hands or feet, jaw pain or periodontal disease, reproductive problems, skin problems (in the form of eczema, hives, excessive itching, dry skin, tics and psoriasis), inhibition of growth development (in youngsters) and finally, a higher susceptibility to catching head colds, flu, bronchitis and other respiratory related infections.

Emotional Symptoms of Stress

Many emotional indicators of stress can be as bad as physical symptoms. Sometimes they are worse as they can be more easily hidden and are sometimes more difficult to diagnose. Emotional responses to stress can wreak havoc in many areas of your life including family, friends, other personal relationships, and performance at work and/or school. These symptoms include high levels of anxiety and nervousness, moodiness and depression, frustration and a tendency towards irritability, butterflies in the stomach, phobias and substance abuse (drugs or alcohol). Other symptoms include difficulty concentrating on tasks, an inability to think and reason clearly, problems remembering simple things, inappropriate reactions to situations and feelings of one’s life being out of control.

Relational Symptoms of Stress

The delicate balance of many types of relationships is often upset when a person is struggling under a tremendous amount of stress. Family and personal relationships are sometimes pushed to the near breaking point and work situations often become problematic. These relationship oriented symptoms include a lack of interest in social activities, an argumentative state, conflicts erupting with employers and/or co-workers, domestic violence, overreactions to ordinary, everyday problems of life, job hopping and sometimes even incidences of road rage.

What Causes Stress?

Events and/or situations in and of themselves are not stressful; instead it is a person’s perception of them that triggers the stress response. Stress comes about when a person believes they are facing a threatening or tension-filled situation such as a job interview or a heart to heart talk with a parent, spouse or child. Stress also derives from situations that are perceived as difficult to handle or meet the challenges of, such as a first date. Generally the higher expectations you have for the outcome of an event, the higher level of stress you will experience. Learning not to over think or overanalyze a situation is a step in the right direction to eliminating a certain degree of the stress involved. Also sometimes lowering expectations is the healthier way to go. The sayings “Aim high!” or “Shoot for the stars!” cannot realistically be applied to all situations, especially when the expectations cause needless amounts of negative stress. No one needs an extra burden of stress as most people have enough all ready.