Humans have the ability to react to immediate danger or to enjoy thrilling experiences because of a nervous system that is well-equipped to handle acute stress. When exposure to stressors is long-term, however, the mind and body can be overwhelmed. Chronic stress is a result of unrelenting circumstances and internal perceptions. Good nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep and a sense of humor help, while dwelling on fears may increase the damaging effects of stress.
Money
Financial stressors may come in the form of unpredictable events, such as job loss, pay cuts or having a sudden increase in monthly bills. Stress is associated with having to sell or pawn possessions, asking relatives or charitable organizations for help, and difficulty paying for electricity, gas and food.
Australian researchers found a relationship between smoking and financial stress. In a study of 7,982 households with financial anxiety, defined as having debt that cannot be easily paid off and being unable to raise $2,000 in an emergency, smoking behavior was predicted by financial stress. The study found that even though they lacked money for essentials, ex-smokers were more likely to relapse and current smokers were less likely to quit. The introduction of smoking cessation programs did not change the correlation. Researchers concluded that restricted access to material resources, such as housing, income and employment, hinders smoking cessation.
Work
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the capabilities, resources and needs of workers must match up with job demands. Stressors, such as not enough time to complete tasks and lack of appreciation by management, have a negative impact on job satisfaction. Work-related stress is associated with fatigue, tension, depression, anxiety, poor concentration and memory, and maladaptive behaviors, such as substance abuse and violence.
Relationships
In their classic and innovative 1967 work, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, psychiatrists Holmes and Rahe devised a way to measure stress by assigning a number of life-change units to significant events. Subjects add up life-change units for events experienced in the past year. The total score gives a rough assessment of stress severity. At the top of the list with 100 life-change units is the death of a spouse. Next is divorce, with 73 units, and marriage, with 50. Pregnancy scores 40 units, and a child leaving home rates 29. A total score of 300 points or more on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale indicates major stress and a risk to health.
Health
The stress of poor health may be made worse by financial stress that limits access to care. Adjusting to changes in health status due to disease or injury is a major cause of stress. Even with the support of caregivers and family, uncertainty connected with a diagnosis can produce feelings that life will never be the same. Health problems can cause stress, and the reverse is true, as well. Known to play a major role in accidents, coronary artery disease and cancer, stress can also aggravate other conditions, such as digestive diseases and pregnancy complications. Signs of stress include headache, indigestion and mood swings. Talking to someone, attending support groups and keeping a journal can be healthy ways of expressing feelings.
