The Effects of Stress

The effects of stress - When faced with a situation we perceive as stressful, the nervous system responds by producing changes in the body that enable us to cope. This is commonly known as the "fight or flight" syndrome.

The endocrine system releases stress hormones, the heart speeds up, and we breathe more rapidly. In an emergency, when fast reactions are essential, these and other physical changes allow us to respond quickly. Once the emergency is over, we relax and the body returns to its normal state. The real problems arise with the effects of stress over a long period of time.

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The body remains in a state of alert, without the downtime it sorely needs. The sustained physical and mental tension weakens the body's resistance to disease, making us more susceptible to viruses and other illnesses.

Digestive problems such as ulcers, constipation, and indigestion may arise. The blood vessels, constricted to enable us to respond to stress, can go into spasm. This not only exhausts the body but also carries the risk of high blood pressure and more serious problems like heart disease.

Another big negative effect from stress is the way people choose to deal with it. They take serious drugs like nicotine, alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs, eat food, etc etc. The abuse of these types of "cures" becomes a double edged sword. The cure becomes worse than the cause.

The only way to deal with stress effects is to take it head on.
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