Short-lived feelings of stress are normal part of daily life, but when these feelings become long-lasting, they can wreak havoc in a person’s health.
Chronic stress affects the whole body, by causing different physical and psychological symptoms, which can make everyday life to be more challenging.
Stress is an extremely important protective mechanism, because it is in our human nature to detect danger, enter the stress response and release the hormone adrenaline.
The adrenaline increases the amount of sugar in the blood and increases the heart rate. The pituitary gland is also signaled to release the stress hormone cortisol.
During the stress response our body focuses our energy on the task of protecting ourselves as efficiently as possible.
The normal stress response is meant to be short-term, and once we achieve the task of self-defense the mind and body return to normal functioning.
Chronic stress is nothing more but a prolonged stress response, which can lead to burnout or seriously affect our health.
As a result of a chronic stress our blood pressure might be high all the time, thus increasing the risk for a stroke or a heart condition, our immune system might become compromised, digestion might suffer and we can even develop a gastrointestinal disease, diabetes due to high blood sugar, memory problems due to improper blood flow to the brain etc.
Typically, a person with this condition has gotten accustomed to feeling and acting this way and does not even suspect that chronic stress is one to blame.
Maybe even you are among the people suffering from chronic stress and you do not even know it!
Check the list below, and see if you do have some or all of the following characteristics pointing to the chronic stress induced behavior:
- increased need for perfection
- tremendous need to control everything
- often acting as if everything is an emergency
- often considering others less competent
- may get angry and upset very easily
- often have a negative view of things
- thinking you are always right
- can be stubborn and unreasonable
- can’t take criticism, even though it may be productive
- Unable to enjoy the moment and always thinking about something else
If you do recognize yourself being in long-term stress response, ask for effective stress relieving strategies immediately or seek a professional help.