The term stress is widely and frequently used, but what does stress really mean, how does it affect us, and what can we do against it?
The term stress goes back to 1936, when it was first used to describe “the body’s nonspecific response to a need for change” (What is stress, 2017). The term stressor came into play in order to clearly define the difference of the response and the stimuli, with stressor being the stimuli and stress the response. The webster dictionary definition of stress is: “a constraining force or influence like a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. It is a force which alters equilibrium and may be a factor in disease causation” (Merriam-Webster).
Dr Gabor Mate describes stress as a big factor in the causation of physical disease, especially Multiples Scleroses and cancer in his best-selling book “When the Body Says No: the Hidden Cost of Stress”. He describes how patients often experience their first symptoms of the disease after intense and prolonged stress, like being in an abusive relationship or being a people pleaser with low boundaries for example (Mate, 2003). While some stress is necessary for survival, too much of it can cause severe strains on the mind and body. When stress occurs, adrenaline and cortisol hormones are released into the body. In dangerous situations the body goes into fight or flight mode, which can ultimately save our lives, but when the stressor persists over a prolonged time, the constant high levels of these hormones in the body can be harmful. The release of adrenaline and cortisol in the body cause increased heart rate which leads to a quicker circulation of blood within the body, preparing it for a fast response. Additionally, fat and sugar are metabolized more rapidly in order to give the body the necessary energy for a stress or danger response. The body’s response to stress is meant to be a brief reaction to assist the body through the stressful or dangerous event. However, if the stress persists over an extended period of time, these normal stress responses of the body can be detrimental and lead to physical illnesses (What is stress, 2017)
Stress can threaten overall health and well-being; therefore, it is important to avoid stress if possible or counteract stress in order to protect the body. If you are having difficulties managing and reducing stress, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is a great start. A therapist can aid you in the processing and reduction of mental stress, and can help determine the best approach to reduce physical stress. Some examples of effective physical stress reduction strategies are yoga, meditation, regular exercise, walks in nature, and spending time with animals or loved ones. Additionally, with the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a therapist can teach you to alter your perceptions, thoughts and behaviors to alleviate or cope with stress.
We may not be able to eliminate stress all together, as life is inherently challenging, but with proper strategies we can counteract its effect and strive for a healthier self. I believe that too many people suffer through stress silently, and only need to seek the proper counseling to improve their well-being and quality of life.
References
Mate, Gabor (2003). When the body says no : the cost of hidden stress. Carlton, Vic. : Scribe Publications. Print.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Stress definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress#:~:text=%3A%20constraining%20force%20or%20influence%3A%20such%20as%20a,force%20commonly%20expressed%20in%20pounds%20per%20square%20inch. What is stress?. The American Institute of Stress. (2017, January 4). https://www.stress.org/what-is-stress.