What are the effects of stress on a persons physical psychological and behavior?
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Left untreated, the side effects associated with chronic stress can become severe, leading to unhealthy coping habits, mental health disorders, or the development of other chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. Show To combat the very real physical effects of stress on the body and the mind, experts recommend several lifestyle changes to reduce the symptoms of chronic stress. What Is Stress?The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as “the physical or mental response to an external cause.” A number of events — positive and negative, real and perceived — can trigger stress. Changes that trigger stress can be mild, such as riding a rollercoaster, competing for a promotion at work, or watching a scary movie. Major changes can include an unexpected loss, a wedding or divorce, or exposure to physical harm. The National Institutes of Health indicate three main types of stress, each carrying varying risks to physical or mental health.
It is important to recognize the risk factors that can cause negative stressors because, if left unchecked, stress can inflict serious wear and tear on our bodies and minds. How Does Stress Impact the Body?Not all stress is bad. In fact, many of the responses to stress, such as quickened heartbeat, increased breath intake, and heightened brain function, are all responses to help a person survive a dangerous situation. Some stressors can even be positive and motivate a person to be successful at work or achieve a hard-to-reach goal. In some cases, stress can vary by person. For example, someone who thrives in public-speaking situations may experience positive stress prior to getting in front of a crowd. A person who dislikes public speaking, on the other hand, may interpret this type of stress negatively. The impacts of chronic stress, however, are much more severe, as those sometimes life-saving responses to stressors have an impact on other systems. For example, when faced with periods of chronic stress, the body’s immune system function is lowered, and the digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems no longer function the way they should. These problems typically subside once our body suspects that the threat has passed, but if the source of stress is constant, several physical and mental health issues can manifest. Consequences of StressThe body responds to each of the three types of stress in similar ways, but this response manifests itself in each person differently. Chronic stress can produce physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Common physical symptoms include:
Common mental symptoms include:
Common behavioral symptoms include:
Left untreated, chronic stress can also exacerbate the symptoms of other chronic conditions. Physical conditions that chronic stress can affect include:
Mental conditions that chronic stress can affect include:
The consequences of chronic stress can extend to strained relationships, decreased work performance, and other peripheral issues. Stress can generate a vicious cycle. For example, someone chronically stressed as a direct result of a problematic work environment may be particularly at risk for reduced work performance, which can create stress. How to Cope with StressThe effects of stress often manifest themselves over a long period of time. Adopting active and practical approaches to manage and cope with stress is an important practice for everyone. For instance, people can cope with stress by taking proper care of their bodies. This includes being mindful of what they put into their bodies — developing healthy eating and drinking habits and avoiding tobacco use. Proactive care of our bodies also involves scheduling time for routine exercise, plentiful sleep, and practicing breathing exercises or meditation when needed. Another key tactic to cope with stress is to unplug. For example, engaging in enjoyable activities to help unwind can be a big help. It can even be combined with other stress coping mechanisms, such as going for a bike ride or a hike. It is also important to take breaks from the news, a practice that can include stepping away from social media on occasion. Additionally, it’s important to reach out to others as a coping strategy. This step can take many forms. It could be as simple as reaching out to a friend. It could also entail reaching out to a counselor, doctor, or member of the clergy. An alternative option would be to seek out a community-based support group, particularly a group that focuses on a specific stressor. Help Others Make a Positive ChangeStress is a normal part of our day-to-day lives, and a number of situations can trigger responses. Although not all forms of stress are bad, prolonged exposure to stressors can lead to physical and mental health issues and exacerbate chronic conditions. Fortunately, people can take specific actions to better manage their symptoms. Every person experiences stress to varying degrees. Implementing a self-care routine is important when combating the physical effects of stress. Because these routines can be individualized, it’s important for advanced-practice nurses to be able to assess day-to-day and chronic stressors and help patients deal with them. Their work can help prevent stress from spiraling out of control and causing a long-term negative effect on a person’s life. Ohio University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program can help you become fully prepared to provide the level of care required to help patients manage stress. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to help you gain the expertise needed to not only recognize the signs of stress but build stress coping strategies with confidence. Learn how we can help you advance your education and move your career forward. How can stress affect a person's behavior?Changes in Mood and Personality
Lack of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. Impulsive behavior. Decreased productivity at school or work. Irritability, anger, and sometimes even aggression.
What are 5 physical effects of stress?What happens to the body during stress?. Aches and pains.. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.. Headaches, dizziness or shaking.. High blood pressure.. Muscle tension or jaw clenching.. Stomach or digestive problems.. Trouble having sex.. What 3 physical and 3 psychological symptoms have you experienced as a result of stress?Sleep problems. Fatigue. Muscle aches and headaches. Chest pains and high blood pressure.
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