Stress- A Single Cause Of Multiple Disorders

Stress- A Single Cause Of Multiple Disorders

You know you are in stress when you have emotional or physical tension. It is a thought that makes you nervous, emotional, angry or frustrated. Humans, with positive changes can also have stress. But have you ever heard of illness or disorders that are caused by stress? 

Yes, you read it right. Stress can be a single cause for multiple disorders and illness. 

Different types of stress: 

• Acute
• Episodic Acute
• Chronic
• Physical
• Psychosocial and
• Psychological

Each type plays a different role and affects our body and mind in many ways. Moreover, long term stress can harm your health and make the body and mind really ill. Below are the types of disorders and illness caused.

Depression Caused By Stress: 

Classified as a mood disorder, long term chronic stress situations can cause depression. 

Depression is a serious medical disorder or illness that negatively affects the way you feel, think and act. Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe, however it is treatable. 

In addition it causes feeling of sadness, loss of interest in anything you do, loss of energy, guilty feelings and also thoughts of death or suicide. 

Obesity: 

Short-term stress can cause a person to lose their appetite however long term chronic stress and body fat leads to obesity. 

As per a research, tension can fuel obesity and people when they are stressed tend to “comfort eating”, they turn to foods high in fat and sugar in an attempt to feel better.

The main step a person can take if they are in tension is to eliminate foods in the diet that are high in fat and sugar.

Insomnia: 

Insomnia can be caused by all types of stress. Insomnia is a clinical term for people who have trouble falling asleep. Any kind of tension can make it difficult to sleep.

Besides, it keeps people awake at night due to worry, anxiety, overthinking or thinking about the future. Furthermore it becomes difficult for a person to focus on things, paying attention or remembering things. Moreover a person becomes weak and irritable if he/she is going through insomnia. 

Heart Diseases Caused By Stress: 

Stress can increase heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol. Whereas long term acute stress can lead to cardiac problems, including heart attacks.

A stressful situation creates a chain of events. Your body releases adrenaline (a hormone) that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. Likewise long term strain also causes people to smoke and drink, which in turn leads to various heart diseases. 

Diabetes: 

Diabetes and tension appear to be linked in many important ways. And is caused by long term physical stress and it develops type-2 diabetes. A study report from 2010 reports, people who experience depression, anxiety, tension, or a combination of these conditions are at higher risk of developing diabetes. People with diabetes who are experiencing tension/ anxiety need to check their blood sugar regularly and take their medication without fail. 

Digestive Problems: 

As per a research, strain can have a negative impact on your digestive system. It causes a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach, which could lead to cramping, inflammation and an imbalance of gut bacteria. Again it can also increase gastrointestinal disorders.

There are many more disorders and illnesses like eating disorders, cold & viruses, circulatory problems, cancer, accelerated aging and asthma which are caused by stress. 

Thus the way you handle stress matters!

Is Stress Management An Option To Prevent These Disorders & Illness? 

One can take in many health benefits from properly managing stress as stress management is the best medicine. The common and popular stress management tools are Meditation, Yoga, Controlled breathing, and Progressive relaxation. 

Stress management tools/ sessions put you in charge and give you a sense of control. This can lead to enhanced self-esteem, less likelihood of depression, illness, disorders and an overall improvement in quality of life.

How To Reduce Stress? 

Common experiences for most people, stress can be handles/ reduced by these simple and healthy ways:

• Exercise, yoga and meditation
• Eat and drink healthy to improve your health (eat a balanced diet)
• Stop using tobacco, nicotine and alcohol products. 
• Reduce caffeine intake 
• Spend time with family and friends
• Listen to music
• Aroma therapy 
• Express gratitude
• Cut out things that add to your stress
• Try stress buster activities

It is always recommended to handle stress in a healthy way and have a positive attitude. Accept that there are situations or events that you cannot handle. Keep exercising, connect with people, and find meaning despite the stress, it will definitely make a difference in your emotions, mind and body.

Make time from your busy schedule everyday and help yourself in breaking up with stress! 

Disclaimer: 

Although it is helpful to get health information by reading articles, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your lifestyle.