Mild stress is a common reaction or feeling, but we don’t all feel stress in the same way, or in relation to the same things. And contrary to popular belief, nor is it always a negative thing. In fact, having a certain level of stress in our lives can motivate and inspire us to move ahead and perform well. However, when stress is ongoing or continues over a long period, it can not only be unpleasant to experience, but also take its toll on your physical and mental health more generally. This is something most Australians are familiar with, with 75 per cent of people agreeing that the stress in their lives is impacting their physical health.
Stress occurs when we feel like we don’t have the resources to cope with the demands that are being placed on us, and it can be acute or chronic.
Acute stress is the type that lasts for a short period of time and typically passes quite quickly – for example the stress we might feel around giving a speech or meeting a deadline. It’s this type of stress that can be helpful because as well as helping us to perform, it also allows us to practise and mentally prepare for future challenges.On the other hand, chronic or long-term stress hangs around and may be the result of any number of things, including ongoing pressures at work, loneliness, relationship or financial problems, or unsafe or insecure living arrangements.
When we encounter a stressful event, the body responds by activating the nervous system. Hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol are released, causing the heart to beat faster, blood pressure to increase and muscles to tense up. At the same time, our breathing speeds up and blood sugar levels rise to provide us with instant energy. This is what is known as the ‘fight or flight’ response, and it signals that our body perceives danger and is getting ready to deal with it.
While these are the usual signs of acute stress, the problem is that in our modern lives, factors such as job pressures and emotional ups and downs sometimes cause us to live in a state of stress for long periods, which may have consequences for both our physical and mental health.
Physical symptoms of chronic stress may include:
Psychological symptoms of chronic stress may include:
Stress can be caused by a wide range of external situations, including those mentioned above, as well as your attitude towards those external situations. This means that an event that one person finds extremely stressful may not affect someone else in the same way. Similarly, everyone reacts to stress differently and has a different tolerance level. The way that stress manifests in your body depends on things like your genetic make-up, diet and exercise routine, and your physical surroundings.
If you are feeling under stress all or most of the time, chances are your body is feeling it too. Take time out to evaluate your situation and long-term ways to deal with it and consult your healthcare professional for supportive therapy and advice.