|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DHMP Community Message Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is stress?
 Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened. When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined – the body makes hormones which speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This automatic process is known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response. Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help you stay focused, energetic, and alert if you need to work hard or react quickly. But if you experience stress too often or for too long, it can have bad effects. It can be lead to damage in your physical health and is often linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain, and trouble sleeping. Stress can cause your immune system to become weak, making it harder to fight off disease. If you already have health problems, stress may make them worse. It can make you moody, tense, or depressed. Your relationships may suffer, and you may not do well at work or school.
- Stress can cause or exacerbate health problems such as:
- Pain of any kind
- Heart disease
- Digestive problems
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Obesity
- Autoimmune diseases
- Skin conditions, such as eczema
- Stress warning signs and symptoms
- Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor judgment
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
- Emotional Symptoms
- Moodiness
- Irritability or short temper
- Agitation, inability to relax
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and isolation
- Depression or general unhappiness
- Physical Symptoms
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent colds
- Behavioral Symptoms
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|