Harmful Effects of Stress - Essay Example

Stress is a feeling of pressure impacted on us by different situations in our environment. It is a feeling of worry and being uptight. According to some people, stress helps those complete tasks easily and at a faster rate. However, this varies from person to person as some people have difficulties carrying out tasks under stress. It has often been argued whether stress is the result of problems or what causes problems. Stress cannot be classified as a psychiatric problem, but it affects one's mental health.

Mental issues such as anxiety and depression can be triggered by stress. It can worsen in situations where a person a history of stress and stress management. This may worsen the condition and lead to other health issues such as memory loss (Cohen, 2007). One tends to forget taking medication and cannot keep track of treatment appointments. On the other hand, mental health issues could cause stress. This is due to the pressure that comes with keeping track of medication schedules and doctor’s appointments. This may be too much to handle for some individuals especially those with tight work schedules. Therefore, they tend to feel so much is required of them thus developing stress. When one is stressed, they tend to feel like they are under threat from the external and internal environment. The body produces cortisol and adrenaline hormones while in this state. Due to the high and subsequent occurrence of stress, the body produces this hormone at high levels (Rice, 2013). This leads to one feeling unwell. This may also lead to long-term detrimental effects on one’s health. Some people experience physical problems such as headaches and stomach upsets while undergoing stress while some experience no changes at all. Stress in such people may go undetected for long periods. It is, however, harmful to one’s physical and emotional status.

There are common signs that people show when undergoing stress. This may include anxiousness, nervousness, impatience, loneliness, lack of interest in life in general, a sense of worry and dread, aggressiveness, headaches, stomach upsets, fatigue, high blood pressure, weak immune system, insomnia, heart diseases and lack of concentration. Changes in one’s behavior may also occur. This may include: Difficulties in decision making, stress eating, drug abuse, restlessness, nail-biting, easily irritability and crying over minor issues (Roeckelein, 2006). In some, the effects are more severe and may lead to breathing problems, panic attacks, blurred eyesight, chest problems, clenched jaws or even nightmares.

Different people react to stress differently, and thus the effects and behavior changes vary. The amount of stress one is experiencing is also a factor in play in the type of signs. Different events in our lives trigger most occurrences of stress. This may be classified as personal issues, family complications, work or school problems, residential problems or financial crisis. This glitches often result in one feeling overwhelmed, out of control of situations and thus the pressure. Finally, all this results in stress build-up. Contrary to many people’s expectations, happy events may also lead to stress. In situations such expecting a baby, new demands come up.

Most people around us are happy, but the parents experience pressure to provide basic needs for a new member of the family. A job promotion comes with new expectations and standards that one is expected to live up to. This is an extra burden that may lead to stress when not properly managed (Rice, 2013)

The above effects of stress call for effective methods of coping with stress. One of the methods of avoiding stress is to be watchful for the warning signs. As stated above, the onset of stress is accompanied by telltale signs such as headaches. It is important to note this signs at an early stage to avoid building up of stress which may lead to serious mental health issues. One is in a position to seek help or take a break from pressure triggers and thus ease the stress. Another tip to avoiding stress is identifying one's triggers. Once one recognizes that certain activities or being with certain people exerts undue pressure on them, they could avoid certain situations. This will aid in reducing their levels of stress. Establishing of routines is also key in avoiding stressing situations. One should come up with a day to day schedule of the activities they are to carry out. This gives one a feeling of control over time and situations.

Planning ahead of time also helps in meeting deadlines. Thus, individuals avoid getting caught up in time and the anxiety that comes with rush minutes. This will aid in pressure management therefore stress is avoided. Expressing one’s feeling and emotions to family and friends could also help avoid stress. Letting people know how you feel about certain issues gives one closure and reduces the number of issues on their mind (Anisman, 2014). In speaking out, one is also able to receive help in matters that would be stressing to them if they handled them alone. One is also advised to observe a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet helps to keep one healthy thus avoiding stress from illnesses. Enough water is also recommended to keep one hydrated. Comfort in one’s residential place should also be looked into to avoid the stress that develops due to factors such as poor sleeping habits. Engaging in positive self-talk could also relieve stress. Individuals are advised to avoid repeating negative thoughts in their minds such as, “I can’t.” Instead, they should focus on positive thoughts such as, “I can.” This will ease the pressure and deter unnecessary stress. In the event of stress, one is advised to carry out activities that relax them. This may include reading books, swimming or even engaging in workouts. This reduces tension, and one regains required concentration without stress (Anisman, 2014).

Stress is not a medical diagnosis. It does not have stipulated methods of treatment or medication to cure it. However talking therapies can be recommended in some cases. This includes Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Cognitive behavioral therapy involves gaining an understating of one’s triggers, their patterns and how to engage in positive thoughts. Mindfulness-based stress reduction, on the other hand, involves engaging in activities such as meditation and yoga to reduce stress. Medication such as sleeping pills and anti-depressants may be prescribed in case of insomnia and depression respectively. Other therapies that one may engage in include Eco therapy which involves connecting with the natural environment for self-growth. Therapies such as massage and aromatherapy may also work for some (Anisman, 2014).

Theorists have come up with theories to explain the relationship between stress and diseases. According to Selye, stress can also occur in organisms that do not have a nervous system and patients that are unconscious. He explained that stress is the stimulus stressor. Stress also has specific patterns even though the triggers may vary. Selye describes stress as responses by the body due to demands that are made on it. The responses are nonspecific. He furthered the study by observing the behavior of logs placed on the sea. He observed the application of stress by the waves on the logs thus coming up with the General Adaptations Symptoms theory (GAS).In the model, he establishes that organisms work with a certain level of resistance. The first stage in this model is the alarm stage, followed by the resistance stage and finally the exhaustion stage ((Lahey, 2012)).

The alarm stage is the initial shock stage and could last up to twenty-four hours. Afterward, the organisms can counter the shock thus ushering in the resistance stage. The reaction in the alarm stage is reduced. The stressor is met with complete resistance. This stage is a survival stage for both the stressor and the organism. The defense mechanisms could provide coexistence between the two entities. The final stage is attained only if the organism cannot regain its normal resistance levels. This results in a high production of the cortisol hormone which leads to effects on systems such as the digestive system. This may also lead to death.

In his later model, the notion of coping is introduced. Coping in this model is described as the ability to adapt to stressful situations. This may be achieved by eliminating stressors in our environment and deterring certain neutral stations from developing into stressors. The two theorists clarify that all events in life cause stress. Stress is not as bad as most of us view it. However, excessive stress is harmful. They simplify stress as simply a response. They also insist that stress should be measured using certain parameters. It is not until some individuals are unwell will they realize that they are undergoing stress. Both of them noted that stress is the price to pay for organisms, humans, and animals to accomplish greatness. In Selye’s opinion, the hormones that are produced in the case of stress help in survival (Rice, 2013). They said the organism to adapt to change and challenges. The excessive defense could lead to bodily harm. Cardiac disease, high blood pressure, mental diseases, allergies and skin and eyes disorders could develop as a result (Rice, 2013).

The gas theory incorporates some assumptions such as both negative and positive demands lead to stress.Selye also assumes that the events that follow in the case of stress are patterned. This does not change in the case where the stressor changes. He also deduces that the events that take place in the GAS process determine whether or not stress will occur. Other theorists such as Mason, criticized Selye‘s concept of stress. They argued that his definition of stress was a rather closed one and that response to stress cannot be specific and non-specific at the same time (Lahey, 2012). His theory was however lucid regarding the players, i.e., Organisms, stressor, response. The processes of response are also clear enough on the various changes that occur. However, in my opinion, the latter theory, developed by both Tache and Selye, the coping theory, is more explicit and comprehensive regarding the stress study. Both theories are inclusive of the organisms, its environment and the various factors that affect its health due to stress. The coping theory, however, provides solutions to the existing stress problem.

The theory, as stated earlier, insists on the elimination of the stress triggers in the environment. It also explains in depth, how the process of response may be detrimental to the organism’s health. Whereas the first theory dwells on the stages of response in the case of stress, the second theory is a general theory. It is inclusive of both the process and the side-effects. The coping theory, however, concludes that all life events are stressing. This is not far from the truth. However, there are events that individuals carry out without the occurrence of stress. This may include hobbies that they carry out to minimize stress. This theory also closes up to the elimination of the stressors to achieve a stress-free environment. This is a highly desirable environment for most individuals but is quite challenging. The theory would have further opened up to further methods of stress relief. The theory is however greatly applicable in dealing with cases of stress as the scientific changes that occur are now understood. The changes in hormones and other physical changes can now be contained. It is therefore a great tool especially for home-care advice. Therefore, it is the more applicable and favorable theory in the stress issue.