What are Anxiety Stress Symptoms?

Stress and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. Stress is meant to be a passing phase. When we have dealt with whatever is causing it, we don’t feel stressed anymore. This is when stress is a good thing as it gives us an extra push when we need it – to finish an essay on time, deal with a crisis at the office or take evasive action at a time of danger.

Stress is nature’s way of helping us deal with temporary crises. For our cavemen predecessors, it was a gift that ensured survival in the face of physical threat. It was never designed to cope with the mental triggers that are a way of life for many. So, what happens when we feel stressed? Our fight/flight reflex takes over and our body undergoes a fascinating chain reaction.

First of all, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system releases steroid hormones such as cortisol which prepare the body for attack. Neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, are released which activate the amygdala, an area inside the brain responsible for the emotional response to the event – the emotion is usually fear or apprehension. Short term memory is suppressed so as to enable quick reactions while the long-term memory is activated to store the event in order to avoid it in the future.

The heart beats faster and blood pressure rises. Breathing becomes shallower and more rapid which means that more oxygen makes its way around the body. The immune system is primed for action in case of injury; blood is rushed to the heart and muscle tissues and away from the skin and metabolic systems are shut down so energy can be used for more important actions.

As soon as the stressful event is dealt with, the body resumes its normal, more relaxed functioning. But what if the stressor doesn’t go away? What if it is a constant phenomenon and the body is constantly in ‘fight or flight’ mode? In this case, the effects of chronic stress can be catastrophic. Anxiety is the first symptom of chronic stress. Anxiety is a constant fear and uncertainty of what will happen in the future; a future which is uncontrollable and ominous If stress and anxiety are not taken seriously and changes are not made, then there is the possibility of conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, heart disease, strokes and hypertension.

Some of the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety are as follows:

•sleep disturbances

•headaches, migraines and muscle aches and pains

•indigestion, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome

•constipation, diarrhea

•nausea

•weight gain or loss, eating disorders

•hair loss

•fatigue

•high blood pressure

•irregular heart beat, palpitations

•asthma or shortness of breath

•skin disorders

•reproductive and sexual problems

•frequent colds, flu or infections)

Behavior can also be adversely affected by chronic stress:

•Mood changes

•Nervousness

•Anxiety

•Depression

•Irritability

•Difficulty remembering things

•Hostility

•Abrasive behavior

•Difficulty concentrating

•Trouble thinking clearly

•Phobias or excessive fear

•Lack of control over emotions

•Loss of sense of humor

(Stress, Anxiety & Depression Resource Center )

It seems natural to many of us nowadays to suffer from stress and anxiety and in many ways we take it for granted. It is a mistake to ignore them as it is no exaggeration to say that the effects are deadly.

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