Description

Stress may be categorized as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest.  This stress may be a factor in causing physical disease. If stress disrupts body balance and function, then is all stress bad? Not necessarily. A mild degree of stress and tension can be motivating to get things done and perform well.  

Causes

Physical and chemical factors that can cause stress include trauma, infections, toxins, illnesses, and injuries of any sort. Emotional causes of stress and tension are numerous and varied.

Signs & Symptoms

Stress can have many different symptoms:

• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Feelings of anxiety or tension
• Anger
• Concentration problems
• Depression
• Lack of interest in food
• Increased appetite

Sometimes stress can manifest itself into other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, acne, fibromyalgia, and depression.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone is at risk for stress. There are things that can pile up and become a burden. The degree of stress in our lives is highly dependent upon individual factors such as our physical health, the quality of our interpersonal relationships, the number of commitments and responsibilities we carry, the degree of others' dependence upon and expectations of us, the amount of support we receive from others, and the number of changes or traumatic events that have recently occurred in our lives. Individuals who are poorly nourished, get inadequate sleep, or are physically unwell may report higher stress levels.