As I have noted, stress increases secretions of hormones and chemicals in the body that we normally need only in times of emergency. During chronic episodes of stress, heart rhythm is accelerated, blood pressure can increase to dangerous levels, and stomach acidity can erode the lining of our digestive tracts. We feel increasingly miserable and hopeless, and clinical depression can develop. Our sleep is disturbed and unrefreshing, and we feel more and more fatigued and sluggish. Our sexual drive is diminished, affecting our relationships even more. Our weight can balloon up or down, depending upon how our appetite for food is affected.
The economic costs are also considerable. Time lost from work due to stress-related illnesses causes catastrophic losses both to businesses and individuals. The costs to the health-care systems are also staggering. Medical tests, procedures, and even hospitalizations are incredibly expensive and time-consuming. They are also physically unpleasant and can lead to secondary side effects that can be dangerous.
The symptoms of chronic stress may be categorized in many ways. The following divides them into the major categories of psychological, physical, and behavioral.
Psychological Symptoms Include:
• Impaired concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Fears and anxieties
• Depression and other mood disturbances
• Irritability
• Worrying
• Feelings of impending doom
• Low self-esteem
• Being easily distracted
• Anger
• Guilt
• Suspicion
• Getting easily frustrated (low threshold of frustration)
• Loss of motivation; fear of failure
Physical Symptoms Include:
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure, heart rate
• Sweating
• Tightness of the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Tremors
• Nervous tics
• Dryness of the mouth and throat
• Feelings of lethargy and fatigue
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea and stomach pains
• Decreased libido
• Obesity or weight loss
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Backaches or neck pain
• Susceptibility to illness
• Palpitations
(heart pounding or skipped beats)
• Muscle tightness or tension
• Skin disorders
• Heartburn and acid stomach
• Osteoporosis and bone fractures
Behavioral Symptoms Include:
• Increased use, or resumption of, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Impulsivity
• Aggressive behavior
• Overeating
• Relationship conflicts
• Decreased activity
• Avoidance of people or places; social isolation
• Reappearance or aggravation of phobias
• Withdrawal from responsibility
If you notice that these signs and symptoms are occurring more frequently or with more severity, you may be experiencing increased stress levels. The earlier that stress-reduction techniques are applied, the better you will feel. The negative effects of chronic stress can be mitigated. Your body and your mind can return to their normal state of function.