Symptoms of stress: emotional tension that alters the mind and body

Symptoms of stress can sometimes be as unexpected as they are dangerous. Inflammations, breathing problems, headaches, memory failures… The problem worsens when this psychological tension is maintained over time, when we do not set limits and the mind falls into a state of continuous helplessness. Learning to control stress before it controls us is essential.

We could say, without fear of being wrong, that stress is a disease, at least in part, that is socially accepted. We have normalized this condition to such an extent that many workers literally go to work ‘burned out’. We even have children in primary school with the same level of stress as their parents.

Even more, There is also no shortage of people who have chronicled this psychological reality in such a way., who are not even aware that the origin of this ulcer in the duodenum is not only due to poor diet. Thus, and in view of all this, medical institutions warn us of something very specific.

Most of us are not aware of the symptoms of stress. And if we notice them, we don’t give them the importance they deserve until six months or a year have passed. That’s when we go to our family doctor and discover things like hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders like atopic dermatitis.

Let’s keep it in mind; We should not leave for tomorrow the discomfort we feel today. Early detection of stress will allow us to manage and prevent it more effectively. about what is already assumed to be a global epidemic.

Signs of stress you should know

Stress forms what is known as an allostatic state in our body. What does this mean? Basically, our body loses internal homeostasis to be suddenly affected by a wide range of small alterations. In this way, when we feel under certain pressure, the nervous system begins to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

These components generate physiological changes. If we experience this in a specific and time-limited manner, the effect can be positive. After all, well-managed stress gives us drive, motivation and the energy that allows us to achieve goals. Now, if stress is chronic, the effects of these hormones can be very serious.

An example of this impact was recently demonstrated by a team at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. In this study it was evident how Chronic stress caused a decrease in the size of certain brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex. Hence the difficulty in making decisions or maintaining attention.

We must not go to these extremes. Knowing and detecting the signs of stress is something that we must take into account daily.

Physical and organic symptoms of stress

Recurrent headache.Back pain. It must be remembered that muscle tension leads to classic musculoskeletal discomfort, hence pain in the shoulders, neck and head. Digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, heavy digestion, gas… Palpitations or chest pressure. Stress directly impacts the respiratory system. We breathe poorly and faster, hence we feel short of breath. Hair loss. Exhaustion.Times where we feel a lack of appetite and moments where we experience the need to eat.Our endocrine system also suffers the impact of this condition. One of the most serious facts is regarding our liver. If our stress is chronic, it suffers alterations with glucose, hence the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes.Alterations in menstruation. Lack of sexual desire. Likewise, It is also common to suffer more colds, infections, etc.

Psychological factors

Stress symptoms usually vary from person to person (individual differences). It is clear that each one will experience this condition in a certain intensity and in a particular way. However, we almost always tend to converge on a similar psychological correlate:

Irritability. Discouragement.Difficulty enjoying those things that we were passionate about before.Problems taking advantage of and managing time. Frustration and lack of patience. Worry and indecision. Problems making decisions and thinking. Sometimes we can even find it difficult to answer simple questions.Small memory errors in everyday life.Life suddenly stops having meaning. It seems like nothing makes sense. Apathy.

Symptoms of stress that affect your behavior

There is a very striking fact associated with stress. Instead of facing and managing that uncomfortable tenant that invades the mind and removes calm and health, There are those who initiate responses that are even more dangerous than stress itself.

Thus, acts such as smoking, resorting to alcohol or even drugs or even self-medication are factors that can lead us to even more pathological states. We must be clear, Stress maintained over time shapes a version of ourselves that we do not like. And we see that through the following behaviors:

Low labor productivity.Problems taking care of our personal relationships. Our relationship is affected, we lose contact with our social circle, it is difficult for us to communicate with our children, etc. Stress weakens self-esteem. We feel incapable of taking care of ourselves, everything overwhelms us, bothers us, worries us and almost without knowing how, we end up undervaluing ourselves.

Life, when stress has the rudder, the map and the sails of our daily lives, can lead us to unhealthy destinations. The consequences can sometimes be very serious. Detecting the symptoms of stress, changing habits and using new mental approaches will undoubtedly be the best response in these cases.. Let’s also not hesitate to ask for professional help when we need it. As Buddha said, Well-being and health are a must.

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