Long Term Effects of Stress
When the stress factor is persistent or repetitive, the body keeps secreting the stress hormones and their blood levels remain at a continuously high level and hence the association with functional adjustments. The body now experience stress with extra burden due to the side effects of persistently high stress hormones. Some irreversible physiological damage to the brain and other organs can be caused by a higher level of stress. The manifestations could be :
- Chronic Head Ache
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety Disorder
- Substance Abuse
- Memory Disturbances
- Heart Attack to due increased blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol
- Stroke due to similar reasons
- Weight Loss
- Exacerbation of allergies including asthma
- IBM
- Crohn's Disease
- Decreased Sexual Drive
- Sleeplessness
Even when the stress factor is not present, some of the physical and physiological effects still persist unless treatment is sought to help them.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a delayed reaction to a particularly stressful situation or life-threatening event where the person feels helpless. After a dormant period, the person re-experiences the past traumatic events in "flash-back's" or dreams and tries to avoid any stimuli or situation which reminds them of the past trauma. The symptoms include:
- Psychological Numbering
- Amnesia of certain aspects of a stressful event
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Isolation
- Reduced interest in activities
- Sleeplessness
- Agitation
Children can also suffer from PTSD after a traumatic life event or injury.
Thanks to stressfocus.com for the information above.
No comments:
Post a Comment