Chronic stress is the result of the fight or flight response occurring for a long period of time, a response that should typically last for a few minutes under extreme circumstances. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, stress is the cause of 80 to 90 percent of all disease. Identifying these symptoms is the first step towards identifying the source of stressors so that they can be managed appropriately.
Fatigue and Insomnia
Sleeping for seven to nine hours every night is the minimum a body needs to function normally. However, feeling stress at night prevents people from getting enough sleep, which causes a condition called sleep debt. This lack of sleep prevents the body from repairing itself at night, which will lead to a weakened immune system and ultimately to illness.
Cardiovascular Illness
Chronic stress inflicts wear and tear upon the cardiovascular system, which carries blood and oxygen through your body. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies chronic stress as a cause of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Common symptoms of these disorders may include shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, nausea and fatigue.
Bad Habits
Under stress, people are far more likely to begin a bad habit to soothe negative emotions. Overeating, smoking, alcohol and overspending may result. These behaviors offer a false sense of control when other aspects of life may feel out of control. Additionally, avoiding stressful situations, including the stressor itself, falls under this category. While these behaviors may offer temporary relief, none of them provides a solution to end stress.
Poor Digestion
Disorders of the digestive tract, which runs from the mouth to the rectum, are commonly associated with stress. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is common because the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger, is associated with emotion. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, gas and nausea.
The increased production of stress hormones decreases stomach mucus production, which leaves the tissues of the stomach vulnerable to acidic stomach bile. Ulcers could result, causing pain and discomfort until treatment.
References
- "Stress; Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Paula Ford-Martin & Rebecca J. Frey; 2005
- "Preventing Chronic Disease"; Modeling the local dynamics of cardiovascular health: risk factors, context, and capacity; April 2008
- Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being, 5th ed; Brian Luke Seaward; 2006
