* Menstrual problems
* Speech difficulties
* More impatient
* Headaches
* Infertility Ulcers
* Nail biting
* Grinding teeth
* Low blood sugar
* High blood sugar
* Need more sleep
* Tired but can't sleep
* Sudden weight loss
* Sudden weight gain
* Low blood pressure
* High blood pressure
* Lack of coordination
*Repeated influenza
*Repeated colds
* Muscle aches
* Hair loss
* Chest pain
* Forgetfulness
* Nervous talking
* Lower back pain
* Loss of appetite
* Increased appetite
* High cholesterol
* High triglycerides
* Excessive fatigue
* Gastric disturbance
* Withdraw from social life

 

Origins of Stress

Stress can often originate from sources we hardly ever associate with it.

One stressful event leads to another and, if we don't control it, the domino effect kicks in. Even joyous events, such as a wedding, a job promotion, buying a new home, or the birth of a child, can cause much stress. You also might get stressed out if you cannot achieve a particular goal or satisfy a certain wish. For instance, you may want very much to have a child but cannot conceive. Fertility tests can't elucidate any reasons for this, and you feel very frustrated-why is this happening to you? Certainly this is a very emotional issue--and one that you do not have much control over-that can cause much stress in your life.

Stress also exists in tandem with the pressure you feel when you perceive that negative consequences are attached to your actions. For instance, you might feel pressured to maintain a certain level of performance at work or else risk getting fired. If you find yourself thinking in this way, you should stop and consider whether the threat is real or if you are just being too hard on yourself. You might be able to control and even eliminate this kind of stress from your life.

Life's Major Stressors:

* Death of a spouse
* Divorce
* Marital separation
* Imprisonment
* Death of a close relative
* Personal injury or illness
* Marriage
* Fired from a job
* Marital reconciliation
* Retirement
* Illness of a relative
* Pregnancy
* Sexual problems
* Birth or adoption
* Business readjustment
* Change in financial status
* Death of a close friend
* Change to different work
* Increased arguments with spouse
* Mortgage or loan for major purchase
* Foreclosure on mortgage or loan
* Change in job responsibilities
* Child leaving home
* Problems with in-laws
* Outstanding personal achievement
* Spouse begins or stops work
* Begin or end school
* Change in living conditions
* Changing personal habits
* Problems with your boss
* Change in work hours/conditions
* Change in residence or school
* Recreation Church or social activities
* Mortgage or loan for smaller purchase
* Change in sleeping habits
* Change in family gatherings
* Change in eating habits
* Vacation Christmas
* Minor law violations

Long Term Implications of Stress

Exposure to stress on a long-term basis can be debilitating both physically and mentally. As we discussed before, under stress the body produces an increase in the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and corticosteroids. In the short-term these hormones produce tense muscles, queasiness and an increase in breathing and heart rates. Long-term complaints that are stress related include:

* Allergies
* Anxiety and depression
* Digestive disorders
* Fatigue Headaches and migraine
* Heart disease
* High blood pressure
* Impotence and premature ejaculation in men
* Insomnia
* Irritable bladder
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Menstrual problems in women
* Mouth and peptic ulcers
* Muscular aches and pains
* Palpitations
* Panic attacks
* Eczema
* Ulcerative colitis

A number of other diseases including multiple sclerosis, diabetes and genital herpes can also be aggravated by stress.

 

Good Side of Stress

Despite its bad reputation, stress is one of our bodies' best defense systems. When we sense danger-such as a car coming at us-our bodies release adrenaline and other chemicals that make us more alert, raise our blood pressure and increase our strength, speed and reaction time. This positive effect of stress can be harnessed for short term productivity goals.

Behavioral signs and symptoms of stress

* Increased smoking
* Aggressive behaviors (such as driving - road rage, etc.)
* Increased alcohol or drug use
* Carelessness
* Under-eating
* Over-eating
* Withdrawal
* Listlessness
* Hostility
* Accident-proneness
* Nervous laughter
* Compulsive behavior and Impatience.

Physical signs and symptoms of stress

* Increased heart rate
* Pounding heart
* Elevated blood pressure
* Sweaty palms
* Tightness of the chest, neck, jaw and back muscles
* Headache Diarrhea
* Constipation
* Urinary hesitancy
* Trembling
* Twitching
* Stuttering and other speech difficulties
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Sleep disturbances
* Fatigue
* Shallow breathing
* Dryness of the mouth or throat
* Susceptibility to minor illness
* Cold hands
* Itching
* Being easily startled
* Chronic pain and Dysponesis.

For more information about stress management call 709-728-3784 or email theboyds3@mac.com