1. Stress Studies
The first stress studies took place in the 1930s at McGill University in Canada; researchers tested and documented effects of stress and the resulting reports were stunning. Though the study of stress is only 80 years old, we have gained an amazing amount of knowledge from such research. Their pearls of wisdom are saving lives all the time.
2. Affects all Parts of the Body
Unfortunately, stress affects all parts of the body, not just the brain or the immune system like some side effect reports might suggest. Skin problems, chronic headaches, depression or rage and recurring high blood pressure are all possible results of stress; the hormonal reaction to stress causes pretty much everything in the body to stall out until the danger is gone. Absolutely nothing can take place in your immune system, reproductive system or growth systems at this time.
3. Severity
The severity of the effects depend on many variants; for example, the length of a stress factor can be long-term or short-term depending on how quickly you get help or how efficiently stress can be relieved. Fortunately, symptoms like sleeplessness, GI disorders, breathlessness, appetite loss and fatigue can be short-term, if stress is stopped early.
4. Doesn't Always Warrant Medical Attention
Many doctors report that an extraordinary percentage of office visits is directly related to the effects of stress! Numbers between 75% and 90% make it clear that our population is living with a truly stressful lifestyle. Imagine how much lower health costs could be if these visits were eliminated and individuals learned to manage or avoid stress on their own and limit the minor physical side effects of stress by themselves.
5. Life-Threatening
Sadly, physical or psychological ailments that result from long-term stress can be life-threatening. Individuals living with extreme amounts or levels of intense stress are at much higher risk of contracting illnesses like cancer and experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Certain mood disorders and other psychological issues can also result.
