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Effects of Stress:

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Our stress response is a non-specific set of mental and physiological adjustments that our bodies make automatically to maintain stability or homeostasis in response to stressors. Stressors are
factors that threaten this equilibrium.

Our bodies are constantly adjusting to our surroundings, and the degree of actual or perceived
danger will affect the degree of our response.

When a physical or mental event threatens this equilibrium, we react to it. This process is referred
to as the "Fight or Flight Response." We prepare for physical action in order to confront or flee a threat, like a predator. Of course, the same response can be triggered to varying degrees by skipping a meal, narrowly avoiding an accident, or having an argument.

                 Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are - Chinese Proverb

Our stress response is a non-specific set of mental and physiological adjustments that our bodies make automatically to maintain stability or homeostasis in response to stressors. Stressors are factors that threaten this equilibrium.

Our bodies are constantly adjusting to our surroundings, and the degree of actual or perceived danger will affect the degree of our response. 

When a physical or mental event threatens this equilibrium, we react to it. This process is referred to as the "Fight or Flight Response." We prepare for physical action in order to confront or flee a threat, like a predator. Of course, the same response can be triggered to varying degrees by skipping a meal, narrowly avoiding an accident, or having an argument.

Our stress response is considered positive when it is a natural reaction to challenge or danger. However, when we feel out of
control or under intense pressure for extended periods, we may experience physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that are considered negative. It is this unmanaged stress that is directly related to nearly all disease.

The stress response is activated by our autonomic nervous system, which handles all unconscious activities in stress and
relaxation states.

     Stress is linked to the following leading causes of death; either as a cause, a risk factor or a complicating factor: 

                                 
Cancer            Heart Disease            Strokes            Lung Diseases            Diabetes

                                                Suicide            KidneyDisease           Influenza and Pneumonia                Alzheimer's Disease

                                                                                                  (Cause of Death Source: StatsCan)

What Happens?

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Typically, apart from mentally-generated stress, our sensory system is the first to sense a
threat or "stressful situation." The response is reflexive. The hypothalamus, which is a central neural processing area of the lower brain, perceives incoming information from the sensory system and immediately responds with a series of neurological and hormonal signals to the
brain and pituitary gland. These signals change our emotional and cognitive state and initiate
a cascade of hormonal changes that are responsible for the functional effects of stress.

Functional Effects Stress:

~~  Reduced circulation in cerebral cortex, which reduces thinking to "lower brain" survival instincts. This results in more   
      impulsive action, like"fight or flight."

~~  Diversion of the blood from less vital to core vital organs and to muscles. This focuses resources and energy on short-term 
      survival functions. 

~~  Reduction in surface and peripheral circulation. This would reduce bleeding in the case of trauma and it is responsible for   
      the phenomenon of "cold and clammy" hands and feet.

~~  Digestion, intestinal motility and the immune system are inhibited.  Muscles can see up to 400% more blood flow.

~~  Increase in the heart rate and blood pressure to supply more blood quickly to "fight or flee."

~~  Increase in the respiratory rate and dilation of bronchial tubes to get more oxygen from the air. 
      Breakdown of glycogen stores in liver and muscle to provide more glucose (energy) to the muscles.

~~  Formation of more glucose from proteins and fat stores. Mobilization of immediate energy.
 
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This is a list of possible symptoms caused by stress. Physical symptoms can sometimes mask symptoms of other diseases,    so it is important to find out if they are stress-related, or not, by speaking with a health professional. 

               Chest Pain or Palpitations                                     High Blood Pressure                                    Fatigue
              Migraine                                                    Indigestion                                                  Nausea
              Asthma Attacks or Shortness of Breath       Loss of Appetite                                          Chronic Cough
              Constipation or Diarrhea                             Stomach Cramps, irritable bowel                  Muscle tension, cramps
              Slow healing wounds, infections                  Jaw Pain                                                     Sleep disturbances
              Increased Chlorestrol                                 Tremor or shaking                                       Increased Sweating
              Baldness or increased hair loss                   Skin Problems                                             Infertility
        
         More frequent flu and colds                        Shoulder, Neck or Back Pain                         Menstrual Irregularities
              Rheumatoid Arthritis                                   Periodontal disease                                      Flatulence or excessivewind
              Premature ejaculation or Impotence             Poor Circulation                                           Heartburn     
                  
 


Emotional Symptoms of Stress

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             Nervousness                            Depression                       Frustration

                  Memory Problems                    Excess Anger                   Overreactions
                                                                 
             Feeling out of Control               Fear Phobias                    Anxiety
   
          
             Lack of Concentration
                     
Substance Abuse             Trouble Thinking Clearly

          


Behavioral Symptoms of Stress

The antisocial behavior displayed in stressful situations can cause the rapid deterioration of relationships with family, friends,
co-workers, or even strangers. A person under stress may manifest signs such as:
 

                                Increased arguments                                            Substance Abuse
                                Conflict with family, co-workers                             Indecisiveness
                                Inability to concentrate                                          Excessive and sustained irritability with other people   
                                Obesity and Over-eating
                                           Increased and suppressed anger
                                        Loss of your sense of humor                                 Domestic, workplace violence
                                           Road Rage                                                          Overreactions
                                Paronia                                                                Feeling out of control        
                                
Decreased sex drive / libido                                               Frequent job changes
                                                Excess emotion & crying at small irritations                   Lack of interest in anything other than work
                                Decreased work or athletic performance                Withdrawal from responsibilities
                                                Isolation from social actvities                                 Permanently tired even after sleep (very common)
                                Lack of motivation                                                 Increased smoking
                                Increased or excessive drinking of alcohol               Loss of appetite or anorexia
                                Carelessness                                                        Increased coffee consumption

     
Severe stress reactions that persist for long periods of time and recur without warning after a traumatic event or even after an intense experience such as an accident, hospitalization, or loss, may become a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requiring professional assistance to overcome.

Stress as a Cause of Disease and Death

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Acute stress reactions have been shown to increase accidents and completed suicides, which are among the top causes of death in Canada. However, it isn't acute and extreme stress that results in the highest amount of sickness and death. Eight of the top 10 causes of death have been connected to stressful conditions that endure over long periods of time.

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for disease.

This makes complete sense. If we consider the functional effects of stress, such as
inhibiting digestion, immunity, and thinking ability, increasing blood sugar and blood pressure, and stimulating increases in lung function, then what would we expect to happen when we are under these influences
over a long time? Heart disease, strokes, digestive problems, mental illness (depression, anxiety, etc), infections and immune-related diseases, diabetes, etc.

Stressors, and the body's natural responses to them, are the risk factors and mechanisms by which most diseases occur. 

In a nutshell, we don't digest, assimilate, regenerate and generally heal properly when we are stuck in a chronic
"stress-on" state.


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