Stress and anxiety have both short-term and long-term effects. These effects can range from physiological effects such as headaches, joint pain, frequent colds and constipation. Stress also is highly linked with psychological signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety, including signs and symptoms such as social withdrawal, depression, anger, and feelings of worthlessness. While these are fairly common signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety, other signs and symptoms also are common.
Decreased Quality of Sleep
Irregular or disrupted sleep patterns can be a significant symptom of stress and anxiety. At the 2001 "Associated Sleep Societies Annual Meeting," research was presented by Dr. Avi Sadeh on stress and students. In this research, Dr. Sadeh concluded that the emotional stress and anxiety associated with college life contributed to disruption of sleep patterns for students.
High Blood Pressure
Stress contributes to the onset of hypertension. During stressful situations, adrenaline and cortisol are released to help meet the demands of the situation. This increase in hormone levels narrows the walls of blood vessels. According to the 2nd Edition of the 2002 "Mayo Health Clinic Information," author Sheldon Sheps indicates that narrowing of the blood vessels due to stress increases the rate at which the heart has to work, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Decreased Immunity
Stress creates the negative consequence of a compromised immune system. In the 2002 "Health Psychology" journal, researchers Miller, Cohen and Richey indicated that repeated stress over time reduces the body's ability to effectively deal with the side effects of stress on the body.
Relationship Conflicts
Conflict and miscommunication lead to stress and anxiety in relationships with significant others. In the 2009 "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology," researchers Neff and Karney revealed that high stress levels among significant others leads to decreased harmony in relationships. Additionally, conflict makes it hard to deal with the everyday challenges of relationships.
References
- Associated Sleep Societies 15th Annual Meeting: "Sleep and Stress"; A. Sadeh. Chicago, Ill. 2001.
- Health Psychology: "Chronic Psychological Stress and the Regulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Glucocorticoid-Resistance Model"; G. Miller, S. Cohen and A. Ritchey. 2002.
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: "Stress and Reactivity to Daily Relationship Experiences: How Stress Hinders Adaptive Processes in Marriage. L. Neff and B. Karney. 2009.
- Mayo Clinic Health Information: "Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure: Taking Charge of Your Hypertension"; S. Sheps. 2nd Edition. 2002.
