Exploring stress’ ripple effect
Stress inevitably pops up in everyone’s life. A moderate amount of stress is normal and, if coped with correctly, can be healthy. However, the effects of stress can permeate other areas of your life and make it more difficult to deal with. In 2022, 27%of people in the United States reported that their stress levels were so high that they found it impossible to function. Feeling out of control can elevate perceived stress, but there are, luckily, ways to mitigate the adverse effects this may have on your mental and physical health.
Your Unique, Inherent Responses to Stress
The way you respond to stressors is rooted in a combination of nature and nurture. Early life events, personality traits, socioeconomic circumstances, and even genetics can affect how you cope. Sources of stress come in all shapes and sizes but can be boiled down to perceptions of:
- Pressure;
- Big life changes;
- Worrisome issues;
- A lack of control;
- Overwhelming responsibilities;
- A lack of responsibilities;
- Discrimination, hate, or abuse;
- Uncertainty
Some Sources of stress that can affect your responses to these stressors include:
- Caffeine sensitivity, impacting the way your body metabolizes the stimulant leading, in some cases, to increased anxiety and stress;
- Pain tolerance, affecting how well you can tolerate discomfort before it is perceived as pain and, therefore, stress caused by that pain;
- Genes that predispose you to mental health disorders, such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia;
- Behaviors, including risk-taking, food preferences, sleep patterns, aggression, and levels of anxiety.
A plethora of environmental and physical factors coexist to culminate in stressful situations. For example, more frequent sleep disruptions can result in more anxiety, and someone predisposed to exhibit both will experience higher levels of stress and find it harder to cope.
A fight or flight response occurs when presented with an adverse situation, triggered by the release of hormones like cortisol in your body. Small amounts of this can actually help you in situations like giving a speech or playing football. However, chronic stress can have trickle-down effects in several areas of your life to be aware of.
Mental and Emotional Effects
When stress becomes a persistent presence in your life, it can lead to a range of psychological symptoms and emotional challenges. For many, chronic stress often results in heightened feelings of anxiety and worry. This constant state of alertness and anticipation of potential threats can lead to a pervasive sense of unease and restlessness, making it difficult to relax. Your body is trying to protect you from perceived threats, but it may be overworking and causing more harm than good. Some examples of stress-related mental health issues include:
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Substance use problems;
- Sleep disturbances.
Moreover, cognitive functioning may suffer as a result of chronic stress, causing you to experience difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making. This brain fog can increase frustration and reduce your self-esteem. Over time, the cumulative impact of these mental and emotional challenges can lead to a decreased quality of life, strained relationships, and a higher risk of developing mental health disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder.
Physical Effects
Chronic stress isn’t just a mental or emotional burden — it has tangible consequences that can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. A prolonged, persistent state of elevated psychological tension can cause adverse physical symptoms. The stress response system, primarily controlled by the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, can become dysregulated. This dysregulation can lead to a cascade of physical health problems, such as:
- Chronic fatigue;
- Chronic pain;
- Decreased libido and sexual health;
- Absent, painful, and irregular periods;
- Difficulty conceiving;
- Shortness of breath and hyperventilation, exacerbating respiratory issues;
- Tension headaches and migraines;
- High blood pressure and heart rate, increasing risk of cardiac conditions like heart attack and stroke;
- Immune system disorders;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Gastrointestinal issues, like irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux.
Moreover, stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking or overeating. This only adds to the elevated risk of the aforementioned physical ailments.
Managing the Hold Stress Has on Your Life
Taking control of stress in your life can allow you to experience stress without adding the extra worry of all of the aforementioned impacts on top of it. Again, small amounts of stress are often helpful, and your body is equipped to handle them. However, if you notice stress taking over your day-to-day activities, it’s time to take action. Try integrating some of the following techniques to manage stress:
- Take time for yourself to relax;
- Say “no” if you are overwhelmed with tasks;
- Remind yourself that there are several solutions to any issue;
- Seek support and validation;
- Boost your self-confidence;
- Practice gratitude;
- Improve your sleep quality.
These tips may sound easier said than done. Often, life is more complex and you may feel as though you can’t catch a break. For example, you may work in a high-pressure industry and experience stress as a daily part of your job. This just means you have to get a little more creative with the time you spend destressing. Look for ways to strike a work-life balance, seek social support from coworkers, and make time for self-care when you can.
Moving Forward With Stress
Above all, try to understand that you aren’t flawed for being stressed. Your genetic makeup and environment contribute to your stress levels, and everyone goes through stressful periods of time. Remind yourself that you are fully capable of coping in healthy ways, and reach out to others who have dealt with similar issues. Seek professional help if stressors become overwhelming, including help from a therapist and physician to combat any mental and physical ripple effects.
Guest post by Luke Smith
Tags: behavioral health, breaking point, crossroads health, how to help stress, lake county, mental health, mental health awareness, mental health cleveland, mental health facility, mental health stress, Mentor Ohio, ripple effect, self care, stress, stress mental health, stressful, youth mental health
