What are some of the most common causes of stress?

Stress can arise for a variety of reasons.  Stress can be brought about by a traumatic accident, death, or emergency situation.  Stress can also be a side effect of a serious illness or disease.   It is also associated with daily life; the workplace and family responsibilities.  In short, stress is the response to our mind's perception of not having the ability to cope with or handle a Potential threat or circumstance.

What are some early signs of stress?

Stress can take on many different forms, and it can contribute to symptoms of illnesses.  Common symptoms include headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, job dissatisfaction, low morale, depression, and anxiety (physical manifestation of stress i.e. tremors or sweaty palms). 

How does stress affect mental and physical health?

There are different forms of stress one may come across.  There is what is known as short-term stress, such as getting lost while driving or missing the bus.  This also includes every day events, such as planning a meal or making time for errands.  This form of stress can make one feel worried or anxious. 

However, there are other times one may face long-term stress, such as racial discrimination, a life-threatening illness, a loss of a loved one, or divorce.  These stressful events also affects our health on many levels.  Once a person reacts to stress, chemicals such as adrenaline are released into the blood stream.  If these chemicals are not exhausted by way of physical activites (fligh or fight) it continues to circulate, which may lead to other health concerns such as high blood pressure or ulsers.

Both short and long-term stress can have effects on the body.  Stress triggers a change in the body, which makes one more prone to getting sick.  It can also make existing life issues worse.  The following are examples of such issues:

• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach cramping/bloating/constipation/diarrhea
• Headaches
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Lack of energy
• Weight gain or loss
• Lack of concentration
• Heart problems
• Eating significantly more or less
• High blood pressure
• Anger
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sadness
• Higher risk of asthma and arthritis flare-ups
• Tension
• Neck and/or back pain
• Diabetes
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Difficulty conceiving