Stress Related Illnesses and Diseases - Discussion

On this page, the issue of stress related illnesses and diseases is discussed.

Stress is a normal facet of life, and despite the associations the word may evoke, it is often beneficial. Feelings of stress motivate us to take action, to dedicate ourselves to a task, and propel us toward achievement.

Unfortunately, for many people, stress levels become unmanageable. Feelings of stress that affect us negatively are often referred to as feelings of distress; generally, the distinction between "good stress" and "bad stress" lies in the effect it has upon us.

Stress that feels exhilarating or exciting is nothing to be concerned about. Conversely, if stress provokes feelings of anxiety, panic, or causes you to feel overwhelmed, your stress level may have progressed to an unmanageable level.

It is important for all of us to develop effective stress management strategies. Stress feels different for everyone, and its source often differs amongst individuals. Thus, it is essential to understand your personal stress triggers and to develop strategies for appropriate coping.

For many people, stress management does not come easily and heightens their risk of a number of stress related illnesses and diseases. Heart attack, heart disease, and high blood pressure are all known to be related to high stress levels.

With feelings of stress, the action of the cardiovascular system increases; over time, the strain this puts on the heart can led to serious issues. High stress levels also increase the risk of developing ulcers, another stress related illness.

Insomnia, the inability to sleep, is linked to stress, as many people attribute their inability to sleep to racing thoughts or being 'unable to shut their brain off'. On a physiological level, stress hormones contribute to insomnia by keeping the body alert when it should not be.

Because it is quite common for people to cope with stress by "comfort eating", stress can often lead to overindulgence in unhealthy foods, and consequently, obesity. Obesity is thus also a stress related illness, and obesity is a huge health issue today and increases one's risk of most diseases that exist today.

Furthermore, although a direct link has not yet been discovered, it has been postulated that stress increases one's risk of cancer; it is almost certainly true that cancer is one of the many stress related illnesses.

If one is predisposed to a certain illness, stress can worsen the symptoms. One example of this is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Research often corroborates the ability of improved stress management to ease symptoms, and anxiety is well-known for its ability to cause gastrointestinal disturbance.

For individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, stress may contribute to the worsening of symptoms. In a sense, it could be said that stress also worsens the symptoms of issues like the common cold or flu; when our body is in a state of distress, due to evolutionary biology, it is in a "fight or flight" mode for prolonged periods. This can be damaging to cell rebuilding, immune function, and a number of other "maintenance"-type body processes.

Although stress cannot be avoided entirely, it is of utmost importance to learn to keep it at a manageable level. Not only does effective stress management create a balanced state of mind, but it is a great (and fairly simple) way to lower your risk of stress related illnesses and diseases!

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