Effects of Stress
Stress
is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective
phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are distressful for
some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to
stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow
pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional
responses as illustrated by the following list of some 50 common signs
and symptoms of stress.
1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain 2. Gritting, grinding teeth 3. Stuttering or stammering 4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands 5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms 6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness 7. Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds 8. Frequent blushing, sweating 9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet 10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing 11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores 12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps" 13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks
14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
15. Excess belching, flatulence
16. Constipation, diarrhea
17. Difficulty breathing, sighing
18. Sudden attacks of panic
19. Chest pain, palpitations
20. Frequent urination
21. Poor sexual desire or performance
22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility
24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
25. Increased or decreased appetite
26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
28. Trouble learning new information
29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
30. Difficulty in making decisions.
31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed.
32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality
35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
37. Overreaction to petty annoyances
38. Increased number of minor accidents
39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior 40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity 41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work 42. Rapid or mumbled speech 43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness 44. Problems in communication, sharing 45. Social withdrawal and isolation 46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue 47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs 48. Weight gain or loss without diet 49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use 50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
As demonstrated in the above list, stress can have wide ranging effects on emotions, mood and behavior. Equally
important but often less appreciated are effects on various systems,
organs and tissues all over the body, as illustrated by the following
diagram.


There
are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to
stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke,
hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility
to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common
cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune
diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition
stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic
dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable
bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and
degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. In fact,
it's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an
aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected (see
stress effects on the body stress diagram) or. This list will
undoubtedly grow as the extensive ramifications of stress are
increasingly being appreciated.
www.stress.org
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