Stress Is the Non-Specific Response of the Body - Case Study Example

Health and Stress Introduction Stress seems to be a common word in todays society, and the fact is we are under more stress today than we were just a few years ago, and this stress we are under can lead to serious health problems. It is documented that most definitions of stress now focus on the relationship between the environment and the individual, as differing situations cause stress for different people (Taylor, 200). Stress has become a much discussed topic between researchers in recent years and there are many theories on the causes and processes involved with stress that should be acknowledged in order to grasp a better understanding of stress and coping. Impact of Stress on Health Stress is the non-specific response of the body, to any demand made on it. From this definition we can see that we are always in some sort of stress, eustress is stress that is beneficial to us, such as moderate exercise. Eustress is not what we need to be concerned about, it is the stress that is objectionable to us that is cause for concern, this type of stress is called distress. When people discuss about stress it is misery that they are frequently talk about and it is distress that I will be fretful with here. The major sources of stress are: life changes, chronic stressors, hassles, burnout, frustration and conflict. Each of these stressors has a specific definition; life changes are basically anything that disrupts our lives, chronic stressors are things such as bad marriages, living under an airport with the noise of aircraft, and the biggest one of all, work. Disturbances are the little problems of every day living that appear to heap up. Chronically stressful and emotionally draining situations can lead to burnout, frustration is typically blocked goals, and conflict is being forced to decide between two incompatible choices. Introduction to several stressful measures within a short period of time could have a harmful effect on health. Too much stress can exceed the bodys ability to cope, leading to illness. Reactions to stress vary between individuals, it is also known that men have a higher heart rate than women when introduced to stress, and they also tend to have more immune system problems. Some people also react more strongly to hassles, while others feel that life changes are more stressful. The reasons for this are mostly unknown. During stress the sympathetic, rather than the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system is dominant. The concerned part of the autonomic nervous system make active what is known as the clash or flight response. It is during this time that several things happen to our body, they include the following: an increase in; heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and muscle tension, and a decrease in the movement of the stomach muscles, a constriction of the blood vessels, and a release of the hormones, epinephrine (adrenaline), and cortisol. These hormones in circle release fats and glucose into the blood flow for energy. The bodies long term processes, such as: tissue repair, immunity, digestion and reproduction get put on hold until the stress is gone, this gives the brain and muscles more working energy. Looking at what happens all through stress, we can see the reason that why it is a major giver to both cancer and heart disease. Not only does long term stress lower the impervious system for an extended time, making it unfeasible to fight cancer cells, but it is whispered that stress may actually endorse the growth of cancer cells. Because stress also tightens blood vessels, and releases fats into the blood stream, it roots blocked arteries, blocked arteries grounds heart attacks. Armed with all of this information, we can see why it is imperative to our health that we reduce stress whenever possible. It also shows us that stress is a major concern, however minor we feel the stress may be, we all react differently to stress, and we never know when that last little stressor may be the one that causes a heart attack, or allows the cancer call to start growing and multiplying out of control These days we pay attention to stress more and more frequently. It is flattering an intrinsic thing in our society. The growing size of world cities and ever more viable operational conditions are consideration to cause stress, anxiety and depression, with a ensuing decline in the quality of life, sleep disturbances, drug and alcohol abuse and poor output. Acute stress may repress resistant function, leading to an augmented occurrence of infections, and chronic stress may incline to a number of diseases, including digestive turbulence, hypertension and heart problems; together, these factors source a considerable limitation of life expectancy. Consequently, we must be aware of it if we dont want to end up with deadly disease etc. Literature Review First of all, the biology of stress is very important because by knowing where the stress begins biologically we can bring it down. When people experience stress "their sympathetic nervous system releases the stress hormones epinephrine and nor epinephrine from nerve endings in the inner part of the adrenal glands [and] pituitary hormone in the bloodstream stimulates the outer part of the adrenal gland to release the stress hormone cortisol" (Myers 11). This reaction is also known as "dual-response" system, which is a completely natural reaction causing increased heart rate and higher blood circulation in our muscles. This moment is best determined as a state of shock. However, if stress is a natural reaction why is it harmful? For instance, when we see a car going straight to us our adrenal glands become activated and we prepare for a "fight or flight". We understand that fighting with car would be useless so we run violently by having a narrow escape but after a minute or so we again feel the flow of spirits. But imagine if that state of shock doesnt ever desolate you. Here we find another concept of stress - the concept which triggers us most. Stress is "the process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors, that we appraise as threatening or challenging." (Myers 13). This is the main difference between natural reaction, which is needed to survive, and our own perception -things we think are needed for survival. The incessant stress is really harmful because it puts the sympathetic system into work, which finally leads to exhaustion, the third phase of "general adaptation syndrome" (GAS) described by Canadian scientist Seyle. It is the phase when body no longer can resist to state of shock and reserves deplete. As biochemical reactions became clearer it is important to know what events can cause permanent stress. There are mainly three types of stressors -catastrophes, significant life changes and daily concerns. Everyone agrees that catastrophe is something that we cant take control of, so it is partly a natural reaction to our loss of security. Terrorism too can be defined as a catastrophe. Remember the events of September 11."Findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of rumination have an elevated risk of experiencing trauma and stress-related symptoms following a traumatic event." (Nelson, 74). However, people react differently to significant life changes. For one entering a college could be completely normal but for other it could be a real struggle. I can tell from my own experience when I first entered LCC I felt really scared and unsafe. I felt how my heart rate increased when I entered the new class, when I was in a sweat trying to understand what my none-mother-tongue professors mean. I also couldnt sleep at nights. However, I dont feel these symptoms anymore because Ive already adjusted to the new situation. Despite the fact, I felt that this stress caused negative effects on my health - sleep disorders, headache and stomach cramps. Although significant life changes are important, they dont last forever. Consequently, the most common form of stressors is our daily concerns or "hassles". (Myers 14). This type of stress is related to the big speed of our lives: "these daily hassles include rush-hour-traffic, aggravating housemates, long lines at the bank or store, to many things to do and misplacing things." (Myers 15). Taking everything into account, there are a lot of stressors, which cause stress and make us vulnerable to various diseases; however, it is important how we appraise these factors, which is also a form of coping with stress. In spite of the negative effect of stress (distress) to our health, positive stress wasnt mentioned, which is known as "eustress". In this field of studies Edwards and Cooper "attributed this to the inadequate theoretical and methodological development of positive psychological states and their impact on important outcomes such as health."(Nelson 80). They found out that if people react to stressors positively they too have a different psychological and physiological outcome. Their adherent Simmons introduced a "bathtub metaphor". Imagine that we live in a bath, which, if we want to feel comfortable, should be not too cold and not too hot. The study of distress can be related to the cold water and it is clearly well-developed. However, the study of hot water effects is not so clear, which can be determined as eustress. Hope, meaningfulness, and manageability among others are potential indicators of eustress. However, it is not as clear as factors, which cause distress. All in all, a positive form of stress really exits, but it needs greater researchers and scholars attention to become a fully developed science as distress is. However, the main topic is negative form of stress and its related health disorders and diseases. Physical changes such as blood pressure and heart rate reflect stress -but also reflect activity and health. (The Science of Stress, Press). It has been scientifically proven that stress keeps pace with many contemporary diseases. Recent studies found out that "Type A" personalities are more likely to suffer from heart diseases. There are two types of personalities - A and B, which were discovered by Friedberg: "Type A [personality is] competitive, hard- driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, anger prone [whereas] Type B [are] easygoing, relaxed people." (p. 53). These studies determine how our temperament influences our appraisal of different stressors and the relation to stress. Moreover, [a] person under stress may retain excess sodium and fluids, which, together with constriction of the arteries muscle walls, contributes to increased blood pressure (Friedberg, 55), which is known as hypertension. In addition to that, stress has a negative effect on our immune system. When we are in a state of shock, our bodies consume the energy for muscles; however the energy is also needed for the immune system to fight with diseases. Consequently, when we experience stress our immune system lacks energy and we become vulnerable to various illnesses. However, scientists are now working on the immune system conditioning. It has now become clear that immune system can be conditioned to suppression by the taste of sweetened water (CS) which contains drug (UCS). Consequently, scientists think that immune system could also be conditioned backwards- to enhancement (Nelson, 73). Talking about stress related diseases, cancer shouldnt be forgotten. However, we should understand that stress doesnt cause cancer itself. "Rather, it affects their growth by weakening the bodys natural defenses against a few proliferating, malignant cells." (Myers 20). Several studies show that hopeful state may have a positive effect, but we should draw a line between science and hopeful thinking. All in all, stress has a really negative effect on our health and we should find ways to improve and promote our biggest wealth- health. Stress and Coping There are many ways how people can cope with stress. "Coping can involve fight or flight, repelling the challenge or avoiding it, solving the problem or mentally distancing oneself from it." (Myers 22). One of the best ways of improving our health and reducing stress is aerobics. I can tell from my own experience that going in for sports really alleviates stress, anxiety and boosts up mood. When I entered this college and felt really stressed I decided to go to Michealson Centras gym to exercise regularly and after a week or so I felt that everything is under control. Nowadays biofeedback and relaxation also become ways of reducing stress. The principle of biofeedback is very simple- a person is linked with the system of recording, amplifying, and feeding back information about subtle physiological responses. This system helps a person to control his problem, such as headache, by monitoring the data and trying various methods to reduce the undesirable state. Of course, social support also plays a big role. If we feel that someone cares about and loves us, we are more likely to be happy and unstressed. Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D., of Penn State University offers some coping with stress strategies (Zimmer 33): 1) Unwind. Find stress-relief techniques that fit your life and schedule, says Whitfield. Soaking in a hot bath, listening to music or taking a long walk may cairn you. 2) Get in the spirit. Set up an altar or attend a religious service; find time to pray or meditate. 3) Exercise. Researchers arent sure how exercise beats stress, but they know that it affects our hormones in a way that reduces worry almost instantly. Any kind of regular exercise or metrical movement works. 4) Breathe deeply. For someone who is anxious all the time, Sharon Boyd-Jackson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Union, New Jersey, recommends deep breathing. Inhale for four counts, and then exhale for four counts until you relax. 5) Reach out. Loneliness increases worry. Make dates with friends, read to your children, go to a social gathering. The more connected you feel to your family, friends and community, the better youll feel. Conclusion In conclusion, if pursue, it may effect in general development of physical and rational health. Stress is actually a major problem but our consciousness will certainly make a obvious difference. Stress has become an ever growing part of today society, and therefore needs to be understood in order to help individuals cope. Numerous researchers have offered theories on stress, its basis and how to covenant with the outcome of stressful situations and surroundings. Even as many of theories be inclined to envelop also a physiological or psychosocial approach to coping, it has become obvious that approaches should exemplify all areas in order to create a more flourishing way in which to deal with stress. The multidimensional advances that do exemplify many conflicting approaches are repeatedly seen as much more thorough in the assessment of stress and coping behaviors. As stress expands over time and seems to gain impetus in the modern world, it has turn out to be apparent that research into the area of stress is very important and should be furthered in order to gain clearer insight. Works Cited Myers, David. Psychology. Fifth edition. New York: Worth Publishers, 1998, 11-22. Friedberg, Jennifer P.; Adonis, Marios N.; Von Bergen, Heather A.; Suchday, Sonia. "September 11th related stress and trauma in New Yorkers". Stress & Health February 2005: 53-55. Nelson, Debra; Cooper, Cary. (2005) "Stress and health: a positive direction." Stress & Health, Academic Search Premier, 73-74. Zimmer, Judith. "Worried sick?" Essence (2000), Academic Search Premier. EBSCO HOST Research Databases. Otonas and Raimonda Balciunai Library, 30-33. Taylor, E. (2003), Stress, Health Psychology, Ch 6, McGraw-Hill, New York, 178-215. "The science of stress" The Times 8 July 2004: 11. Newspaper Source. EBSCO HOST Research Databases. Otonas and Raimonda Balciunai Library Read More