HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN WE'RE STRESSED ?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR BODIES DURING STRESS ?

A lot of complex internal changes occur when we face a stressor. Various chemicals and nerve impulses flow in a way called the General Adaptation Syndrome or G.A.S., which develops in three stages:

1. ALARM When faced with a stressor or stressors, the brain puts out a red alert to the hormonal system, and the body prepares itself for fight or flight.

2. RESISTANCE The body tries to adapt to the stress. We fight the threat, our muscles tense, and we struggle to repair any damage caused by the alarm reaction.

3. EXHAUSTION Where the body remains alert and cannot repair the damage. Muscles are tense, energy is drained and we are fatigued and more susceptible to illness and infection.

The following are some of the more common signs of stress. As our personal stress levels rise, many of the signs are likely to become more apparent. By noticing how many of these you are experiencing, either continuously or from time to time, you can obtain an early warning that your stress levels are increasing.

PLEASE don't take it for granted that a symptom is "just stress". If you're concerned about any changes in your physical or emotional well being, do check with your doctor.

PHYSICAL SIGNS
sweating diarrhoea faster heart beat dilated pupils faster breathing urgent need to urinate ‘butterflies’ dry mouth
clenched fists/jaw tense muscles frequent colds or flu aches & pains changed appetite asthma / allergies skin problems sexual problems
headaches intense tiredness / reduced energy back problems indigestion fainting feeling sick muscle twitches rapid weight change

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL SIGNS

indecision poor judgement poor memory / concentration cynical humour insomnia / nightmares negative thinking worrying / anxiety / fussiness confusion / muddled thinking
making mistakes less intuitive less sensitive reduced enjoyment rash decisions frustration irritability / bad moods depression
low self confidence & esteem helpless suspicious hostility / defensive / temper no enthusiasm irrationality forgetful feeling tense

BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS

unsociability restlessness loss of appetite / overeating impatience fiddling drinking / smoking more taking work home more absenteeism
too busy to relax neglectful lying anti-social behaviour accident prone bad driving impaired speech

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE BODY'S RESPONSE TO STRESSORS

The adrenal gland regulates physiological responses to stressors, immediately by the central medulla, long-term by the surrounding cortex. Initially, the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and/or noradrenalin into the blood stream. Responses include:

· increased metabolism, blood pressure, heart and breathing rates

· surface constriction of blood vessels - blood leaves skin to provide muscles with sugar & oxygen

· liver releases stored glucose

· bones release calcium

· pancreas releases insulin

· 300-400% increase in blood to skeletal muscles

Under intense or prolonged stress, the adrenal cortex activates, controlled by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland.

RESPONSES OF BODY SYSTEMS TO STRESS AND STRESS-RELATED DISORDERS

Under prolonged stress, many responses occur which can cause damage within each of the body's systems:

Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System consists of the complementary Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems. The sympathetic governs arousal and the parasympathetic healing and tissue renewal. With prolonged stress, the parasympathetic system is neglected. Appropriate reactivity is lost, symptoms begin.

There are strong links between stress and nervous breakdown , depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypochondria. East Essex Mental Health NHS Trust paid £25,000 to the widow of an employee who committed stress-related suicide. Stress may exacerbate Multiple Sclerosis symptoms.

Cardiovascular System

The blood thickens, heart races, blood pressure rises and blood vessels constrict.

Stress increases the risk of heart problems from primary factors eg obesity and family history of coronary heart disease, C.V.D. , heart attack / stroke. It causes arrhythmia, exacerbates hypertension, may provoke migraine or tension headaches.

Skeletal/Muscular System

Muscles tense, particularly in the face, shoulders, neck and back, lactic acid is released into the bloodstream, bones and joints can become brittle.

Clumsiness is a stress symptom which can lead to accidental injuries. Stress can exacerbate pain symptoms including those of arthritis.

Respiratory System

The rate and depth is disrupted, breathing becomes thoracic (fast and shallow), with potential hyperventilation.

Stress may not cause asthma, but attacks can develop or worsen. There are strong links with other allergic reactions, eg hay fever

Integumentary System

Sweating increases, the skin becomes paler and there is possible hair loss.

Increased chances of skin infections (eg herpes, acne, shingles). There are links with eczema.

Digestive / Urinary System

Peristalsis slows, the bowels constrict and the bladder loosens

Prolonged arousal can result in a range of digestive or eating disorders (eg indigestion, colitis, duodenal / peptic ulcers, bulimia, anorexia nervosa) as digestion is closely linked to the emotions.

Immune System

High levels of ACTH are immunosuppressive, and T-cell activity decreases.

A weakened immune system may exacerbate cancer and HIV/AIDS symptoms. There are generally increased chances of contracting colds or flu.

Reproductive System

Sexual desire decreases, sperm count and ovulation rate fall.

Tension affects the menstrual cycle resulting in PMT, dysmenorrhoea. It can diminish sexual arousal or cause impotence.

In addition to the conditions noted above, dysfunctional coping strategies (alcohol, drugs and smoking) can cause many secondary disorders.
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